Arsene Wenger says Carl Jenkinson is not mentally ready to play for Arsenal

Jenkinson is currently Arsenal’s only fit right-back and was expected to face West Ham today.

But the 24-year-old has been getting so much stick from fans that Wenger says he will use centre-half Gabriel instead to save Jenkinson from more abuse.

Jenkinson was substituted after 64 minutes and then came under fire for his display in Wednesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton.

Gabriel will play at right-back for Arsenal against West Ham

And boss Wenger said: “Mentally he has not found his level.

“He has lost confidence because the Jenkinson you see at the moment is the Jenkinson who can play, but is not completely Jenkinson because he has no confidence. That will come back.

“He has not played for a long long period. He had knee surgery after he had two shoulder surgeries and what he is going through at the moment is, for me, a bit normal but very difficult to live with for a player.

“The best way to help them is to play them when they are competitive.

“If you play them, and they are not completely ready mentally, it’s even worse.

“Today it is even more difficult because he gets quickly hammered by everybody on social media. I hope he doesn’t read all that and focuses on his game.”

Jenkinson, 24, spent two separate loan spells with the Hammers and his days at the Emirates look numbered.

First-choice Hector Bellerin has just signed a bumper new deal and Wenger admits he faces a battle to shift the Spaniard.

“Bellerin is one of the best in his position, certainly in Europe,” said Wenger. “But Carl can compete with him.

“At the moment he can’t because mentally he has not found his confidence.”

Santi Cazorla, 31, is another Gunners star who faces an uncertain future.

The Spanish midfielder’s contract expires next summer and he is now out until March with an ankle injury.

Gabriel will play instead of Carl Jenkinson with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger giving him time off

Wenger won’t dip into the transfer market to replace him though and said: “Santi has six months left and we have an option.

“The decision on him will be taken in January. It does not depend on his fitness. It’s my decision only. Santi is an exceptional player and it’s just for him to be capable to play.

“And the dressing room needs a balance between experience and youth team players. You need to be guided as well by some experienced players when you go through difficult times.”