Kieran Gibbs adds to Arsenal defensive crisis

Arsenal could reportedly find themselves short of defensive options this weekend with Kieran Gibbs doubtful to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final with a thigh strain.

The north London outfit are already without first-team duo Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny, while Shkodran Mustafi has yet to return to training after a minor concussion suffered against Sunderland last week.

According to The Telegraph, the Gunners could be forced to shift to a potential back four with Gibbs a major doubt to feature in the left wing-back role.

Per Mertesacker managed just 36 minutes of league action all season, but he could be in line for a surprise start alongside Rob Holding at the heart of the defence.

"It just shows you how unpredictable football can be; it's absolutely unbelievable. We have been hit hard in a position where we will need to be strong on Saturday." Wenger told in his press conference, via The Telegraph.

Gibbs has earned an extended run in the Gunners lineup following the shift to the 3-4-2-1 formation, and his absence is likely to unsettle the backline which has been sound in the past five games.