Gibbs to take Arsenal chance

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking forward to seeing Kieran Gibbs in the first-team after the back stress fracture to Gael Clichy that leaves the Frenchman sidelined for one month. Gibbs will be in the first-team line up for today's clash with AZ Alkmaar.

“It is a blow to lose Clichy and now there will be huge stress on Gibbs to play every game,” said Wenger. “But Capello and England will be happy. I have no doubt about the quality of Gibbs.

“I spoke with Stuart Pearce when Gibbs was with the Under-21s and they were always very happy with him. For us, Clichy’s injury is a blow because it exposes Gibbs every three days. Clichy will be out for one month or two months and that is too much.”