Mathieu Debuchy Could Be Given a Lifeline at Arsenal by Boss Arsene Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that French defender Mathieu Debuchy still has a future with the Gunners, the London Evening Standard reports. 

In recent years Debuchy has faced a number of setbacks due to injury and the success of Spanish teammate Hector Bellerin as Arsenal's right back. However, after returning from injury and playing in Arsenal's 1-0 away win to Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, as well as a full 120 minutes in Arsenal's Carabao Cup match against Norwich, Wenger believes Debuchy is ready to compete for a place in the squad again. 

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Wenger has been impressed by the 32-year-old, who hasn't let the injury setbacks he's faced phase him. The Arsenal manager said "We are all very pleased for him here because he has gone through some very difficult moments with setbacks. 

"The fact that he got through 120 minutes the other night is a huge boost for him. He needs to recover now but from now on, he’ll be a candidate to fight for the team places again.

"Mathieu is absolutely strong and determined as well. He’s a quiet character but a very strong one. I must say he’s 100 per cent a professional player. Everybody in the medical department just says he’s exceptional."

Although Debuchy has played almost the entirety of his professional career as a right back, he has flourished as a centre back in Arsenal's 3-4-2-1 formation. Wenger has said "Maybe his future is as a centre-back. 

"He has the attributes because, despite his size, he’s very good in the air. You think he couldn’t play centre back because he’s not tall, but if you look at the number of balls he wins in the air, it’s impressive."