Arsenal will be without Hector Bellerin in tonight’s crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, which is not great news to Arsene Wenger and the Emirates faithful.
The Spanish right-back suffered a small groin problem and Wenger will not risk playing the 20-year-old tonight.
Instead, Wenger will put his faith in Mathieu Debcuhy, who has struggled for form this season, to tame either Arjen Robben or Douglas Costa, who was Bayern’s best performer against the Gunners a couple of weeks ago.
The 30-year-old lost his starting place in the side last season to Bellerin and has endured a tough time at the Emirates since joining from Newcastle just over a year ago.
Debuchy has made just four starts in all competitions so far this season, and it’s fair to say he has not shone in any one of the games he’s featured in, with many fans, including myself, believing his time at Arsenal could well be up sooner rather than later.
The Emirates faithful have more faith in the less experienced Bellerin than a France international who has played well over 350 games – that says a lot.
Debuchy has suffered with injuries this season and, as a result, he has not been able to recapture the form and displays which won him a move to Arsenal, but tonight could be the opportunity that he has been waiting for.
While he would be delighted to be playing tonight, it could also be a game that determines whether or not he will be at Arsenal next season – I know that this statement may be a little far-fetched, but hear me out. If Debuchy can’t show to the Arsenal faithful and Wenger tonight in a massive game that he can mix it up with Europe’s finest then some will question whether he has a future at the club, especially after some poor performances against lesser sides already this season.
I hope Debuchy shows why we bought him to the Emirates and passes tonight’s test with flying colours – otherwise, it could well be the beginning of the end for the experienced defender.
Beyond having a point to prove to Wenger and the fans, he could just be playing for his ‘France International’ life tonight. What better stage to show Didier Deschamps he’s still got it. If we lose, it could be a big defeat. If we win, it is going to be slim. COYG!
….and, No. It is not a Do or Die affair for Arsenal.