Last week Wenger clearly stated that he would not be signing any players unless an injury crisis hits the club; these were his words:
‘I want to keep my squad and I want to continue with these players. We will not be on the market unless we lose some.’
It’s a pretty stern statement from the Arsenal boss, but not one that many Arsenal fans will agree with. A number of them still believe (prior to losing Laurent Koscielny through injury this past Saturday) that Wenger needs to enter the winter market and attain a quality centre-back to reinforce the defensive line.
Reports suggest that Koscielny will be ruled out for approximately 3 weeks after suffering a severe concussion against Fulham, and if that wasn’t bad enough long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen will more than likely make his return at the start of the new year. So Mr. Wenger, will you be dipping into the market after losing yet another defender?
Having lost Koscielny, Wenger now only has two recognisable centre-backs in Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci, surely this isn’t adequate enough, especially entering the hectic Christmas period. Yes, we also have Alex Song, who can cover if anything else goes wrong (here’s hoping it doesn’t), but the truth is our defence needs strengthening now more than ever.
We seem to be conceding every week, which is something Wenger must fix. Out of the 16 league matches so far we’ve conceded 18 goals, just thank heavens our front-line has been firing on all cylinders as of late. Although he may not have wanted it to, long-term and recent injuries to his back-line have no doubt forced Wenger’s hand in the January window. The Frenchman will have to acquire some form of back up, whether this be a transfer or a loan deal is up to him to decide, but something has to happen.
The fact is Arsenal fans have called upon their messiah time and time again to bring in another addition to the defensive unit, and it seems Wenger will have to answer their calls, despite his initial intentions indicating that his squad is fine the way it is. You have lost two defenders now Wenger, both of which will be back after the New Year, get your cheque book out and prepare to use it this winter.
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I say it depends on how long Koscielny is really going to be injured for and if Vermaelen can’t come back any sooner. Worst case scenario would be playing Song at Center back (and telling him to stay put) with either Squillaci or Djourou, playing Denilson at the holding mid with Wilshere/Fabregas/Nasri more advanced. Though I’m not sure how well that would work as Denilson isn’t nearly as strong of a holding mid as Song. It would be much better if Vermaelen would get healthy soon.
I think it is a must regardless how long both centre-backs are out for. We have struggled in this department so far, and need a quality defender to strengthen the back-line. Wenger has to buy someone
You have to consider though that Koscielny and Squillaci are not the ideal pairing. If Vermaelen can get healthy and stay healthy, then I’m not sure it would be necessary. I think that with Koscielny, Vermaelen, Squillaci and Djourou all healthy (and Song for cover) the center back position is better than it was last year.
Thanks for the comment guys
@any.anon – I heard Koscielny is out for 3 weeks, whilst TV5 is out til at least the new year. I think Wenger has to buy purely for the fact that we are light at the back, and even when the 2 injured players come back, they will not ba sharp, especially TV5. Your right in saying Koscielny and SS are not the ideal pairing and that our defence is stronger than last year, but I still think we lack a proper enforcer t o partner TV5. Thats just my opinion though.
I agree with Gooner1 we should buy a defender regardless of the situation.
I think Wenger should definately buy a defender in January, even if Koscielny wasn’t injured, lets face it we don’t have any quality defenders except for Vermaelen. He needs a proper defensive partner not usless ones.
Do us a favour Wenger go into the market and buy a proper defender.