Published: 26 November, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has said he is ready to turn to Calum Chambers in a bid to solve Arsenal’s growing crises in the heart of his midfield. 

Wenger’s worst nightmare came true on Saturday when Francis Coquelin limped out of the game at West Brom after only 14 minutes with a knee ligament injury. As if losing 2-1 at the Hawthorns wasn’t bad enough, the Frenchman later found out Coquelin will now be on the sidelines for at least two months, while his replacement on the day, Mikel Arteta, is also on the treatment table after only lasting 34 minutes against the Baggies before suffering a recurrence of a calf problem. 

It leaves Mathieu Flamini as the Gunners’ only fit defensive midfielder, but Wenger believes Chambers’s “education as a central midfielder” makes him a viable option to play in the holding role. “Calum has been educated as a central midfielder. He has a big stature, good technique, and good vision as well,” said the Arsenal boss. 

“He has played in defensive positions so I think he can develop in the future in a position like defensive midfield. It is very important to balance our team, and the defensive role and the efficiency in this position is equally very important because we are a team who like to go forward.” 

Wenger added that far from dwelling on Coquelin’s injury his absence is “a good opportunity” for other members of his squad to prove their quality. 

“We don’t know yet how big a blow it is to lose Coquelin,” he said. “It is, of course, a disappointment to lose him in the longer term but we have players who can compensate. 

“We have lost a player of quality for a while and we know this can happen during the season. We have players who play in this position, like Flamini and Chambers. This is a good opportunity for other players to turn up and show they can do the job.” 

It’s not all doom and gloom for Wenger on the injury front with Aaron Ramsey returning to action during Tuesday nights Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also expected to be back for Arsenal’s trip to Norwich on Sunday, while Theo Walcott is just days away from returning to full training.