Arsenal Special: Kieran Gibbs Injury Poses Left-Back Conundrum For Arsene Wenger

Another night of international football, another Arsenal player injured. How tense Arsene Wenger must feel ahead of Wednesday evening's bill of fare, including a potentially bruising World Cup showdown between France and Ireland in Paris, can only be imagined.

Already without Robin van Persie for Saturday's trip to Sunderland, and probably for the following six weeks, he now has to find a replacement left-back, as well as a centre-forward, following Tuesday's injury to Kieran Gibbs.

The Lambeth-born defender hobbled off after only 21 minutes of England Under-21's 0-0 draw with Lithuania in Vilnius, having damaged his right ankle. An x-ray at a local hospital afterwards appeared to be inconclusive. Arsenal will not comment on the injury until after Gibbs's examination at London Colney later on Wednesday.

It means that the Gunners' list of absentees for the trip to the north-east now includes Gibbs and van Persie, as well as Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott, Denilson, Johan Djourou and, most significantly, Gael Clichy. Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere may also be unfit along with Lukasz Fabianski. Armand Traore, just back in training after injury, may also be considered insufficiently fit for selection.

That is a team of 11 men out of action, if all are unavailable, before a ball is kicked on Wednesday evening.

For Wenger, given the form and consistency of the team during an unbeaten run of 13 games that has lifted Arsenal up to second in the Premier League, and within reach of leaders Chelsea, it will be important to reduce disruption to his side's shape and rhythm to a minimum.

That means, therefore, that Eduardo is the logical and obvious choice to play centrally in place of van Persie with Mikael Silvestre stepping in at left-back. Wenger has other possibilities, but, all in all, these seem the least disruptive.

Leading contender | Silvestre could fill in at left-back

If Gibbs is definitely out, he could go for any of Silvestre, Traore (if fit enough), Thomas Vermaelen (at the cost of a defensive reshuffle), Philippe Senderos or Emmanuel Eboue; or, if he is possessed by a flight of fancy as he has been in the past, switch a midfielder to left-back, possibly Aaron Ramsey or Abou Diaby.

Here then are the options and odds in the Wenger Stakes for left-back at Sunderland:

Silvestre - 3-2 favourite - His experience and steadying influence could make up for a lack of pace and help the team keep its shape; lacks recent Premier League experience after just two Carling Cup outings so far this term.

Eboue - 3-1 - Has proved his versatility with stints on left of midfield before and understands the role of Arsenal full-back from appearances in side at right-back; has appeared in 15 first-team games so familiar with shape and style. Would be no surprise if picked.

Traore - 6-1 - Returning from injury, untested and has had only one run out this season in Carling Cup, but if fit could offer some physical offensive potential on the left flank.

Senderos - 10-1 - Just two Carling Cup appearances this season and not really a left-back. Unlikely to be considered for the job.

Vermaelen - 20-1 - Has left-back experience, but is critical to central defence in partnership with Gallas and in excellent form. If he switches, it creates an even bigger problem at centre-back.

Diaby - 25-1 - Recently settled in central midfield alongside Song, but has proved his versatility before. Questionable positional discipline and has tendency to attack without responsibility - an unlikely contender, but could turn out to be surprise a la Mathieu Flamini, 2006.

Ramsey - 25-1 - In great form after his last two games and could be picked on merit in midfield anyway where his creative game is valued. Could do the job at a push because has an excellent football brain, but at only 18 lacks experience.

And remember this away game at Sunderland precedes a home Champions League tie with Standard Liege on Tuesday and then a visit from Chelsea on Sunday, November 29. Yes, Wenger has much to think, and worry, about.

Tim Collings