Jump directly to the content
Arsenal star ‘destroyed’ by fresh injury blow, reveals Wenger

Arsenal star ‘destroyed’ by fresh injury blow, reveals Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy is "destroyed" and "embarrassed" after it was confirmed he is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Frenchman was stretchered off during the Gunners’ 3-0 Premier League victory over Stoke City with a dislocated shoulder.

Debuchy was out for three months earlier in the season following ankle ligament surgery in September and will now miss another three months after undergoing surgery to correct his shoulder problem.

It’s a big blow for Arsenal and for the full-back, who has started just nine league games since arriving from Newcastle in the summer.

"He is destroyed," Wenger said. "He is such a keen player, so professional and so willing.

"It is his first year here and of course he is embarrassed. But it is not his fault."

Debuchy had to be carried off in the 13th minute at the Emirates Stadium after he was pushed into the advertising hoardings by Potters midfielder Marko Arnautovic.

"The push was not needed," Wenger continued.

"It was a bit unlucky as well because there was a divot after the touchline which may have made it worse.

"Arnautovic did not have a chance to get the ball - I don't think it was malicious but he had no chance to get the ball so I'm saying it was not needed.

"It's not obvious what his intention was, I don't think he wanted to hurt him but I don't think it was needed."

Arsenal visit Manchester City on Sunday, hoping to avenge last season's 6-3 hammering at the Etihad Stadium.

One player who could make the difference for the Gunners this term is Alexis Sanchez, whom City boss Manuel Pellegrini described this week as "the best player in England".

"It's a great compliment because Pellegrini knows football well," said Wenger.

"I agree with him - at the moment Sanchez is one of the top performers in the league.”

Sanchez has 18 goals in all competitions this season, one fewer than City striker Sergio Aguero, who could make his first start since December 3 in Sunday’s clash after recovering from a knee injury.

"There are some other great players but Sanchez and Aguero are two of the best performing since the start of the season," Wenger added.

"Alexis is full of energy, full of enthusiasm as well. That is what is fantastically refreshing when you see the number of games he's had to play - he's always keen to go out and play.

"What everyone admires about him is his game is always full of enthusiasm, a desire to do well, to take people on and fight to get the ball back. It's fantastic and it's infectious."

Topics