Debuchy injury a “worry” for Arsenal, admits Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed the injury sustained by full-back Mathieu Debuchy is a “worry” because of the Gunners’ lack of depth in defensive areas.

The 29-year-old was replaced by Hector Bellerin on the 13th minute of Sunday's comfortable 3-0 win over Stoke City because of a dislocated shoulder, and the longest-serving Premier League manager admitted he is unsure as to how long the former Newcastle man will spend on the sidelines.

“That’s the worry of the day,” said Wenger. “It’s an area where we don’t have too many players with enough experience.

“He has a dislocated shoulder, how long he will be out for I don’t know. He will have to see a specialist for a clear diagnosis to see what we have to do.

“I would be surprised if he plays next week.”

Asked if the Frenchman’s absence would alter Arsenal’s business in the transfer window, Wenger replied: “Not too much because I was already focused on it, but it makes it even more urgent.”

Meanwhile, Wenger insisted Wojciech Szczesny's omission from the starting line-up was not a disciplinary decision, after the 24-year-old was caught smoking following their defeat to Southampton, adding the Polish goalkeeper is still his number one.

“No it was not disciplinary at all, I just gave him [David Ospina] a chance today. Szczesny is our number one, he is competing with Ospina and [Damian] Martinez.

“Competition is our job and today was difficult to assess because we did not face too many dangerous situations.”