Lack of defensive options could force Gibbs to put loan option on the backburner

This season has seen many youngsters become increasingly involved in the Arsenal first-team and Kieran Gibbs is no exception. The Lambeth-born teenager played every minute of the Gunners’ Carling Cup campaign and has recently made his debut in both the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Kieran’s name was mentioned by Arsene Wenger at the start of December as one of three potential candidates for a loan spell to either a Premier League or Championship club. However, because of the club’s increasingly depleting defensive options, he could be needed to play a part in the season’s climax with Arsenal.

Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas, who are both capable of playing on the left-side of defence, have both been ruled out for up to three weeks whilst it is not yet clear whether regular left-back Gael Clichy will return in time for Saturday’s match with Bolton.

Last week against Plymouth in the FA Cup, Gibbs came on as a first-half substitute to replace the aforementioned Silvestre. He showed a few nerves defensively but looked extremely comfortable going forward and even had one attempt at goal.

It is now up to Wenger to decide Gibbs’ short-term future. The player himself appears to be rather indecisive on the issue

A few of the lads have gone out on loan and I don’t know if I will again or not. It’s possible it could happen in the next few weeks but there are a few injuries at the club so you never know, maybe I will stay here.

A loan spell could be just what he needs although last time around it didn’t work out too well at Norwich, where he only made a handful of appearances and had to endure the wrath of the bitter Carrow Road crowd. Whatever happens between now and February 2nd, the future for this particular young prospect looks very bright indeed.