If Arsenal are going to regain their place in the top four and compete in Champions League, they're going to have to do it with a thin squad. On Thursday, they learned that both midfielder Mikel Arteta and defender Mathieu Debuchy require surgery for their respective injuries, and the pair will be out for three months.
Arsenal lose 2 stars for 3 months
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Debuchy has a shoulder injury, while Arteta is bothered by an ankle problem. Both have missed significant time this season, with Debuchy featuring just 11 times and Arteta only nine. In their absence, Arsenal have had to give significant time to Mathieu Flamini, who hasn't been up to Champions League standard this year, and youngster Hector Bellerin, who has looked a tad out of his depth. They also recalled Francis Coquelin from a loan at Charlton Athletic, and he's made eight appearances.
Arsenal look likely to sign young midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw, but he's more one for the future, not someone who's likely to fill Arteta's shoes immediately. These injuries could force Arsene Wenger into further activity in the transfer market, and given that he's stated he sees Calum Chambers' future as being in the middle of the park, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Gunners go after a right back.
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