Kieran Gibbs was missing from Arsenal’s matchday squad for their game against Stoke on Sunday.

The fullback is suffering from an ankle injury once again and it is not clear how long he will be sidelined for.

Speaking after the game, Arsene Wenger told the media:

“Nacho Monreal and Debuchy can play centre-back. But if Gibbs is not here, Monreal cannot play centre-back and if Debuchy is not here, he cannot play centre-back.

“This is a position where we are short.”

The problem is an inflamed ankle and although he underwent a fitness test ahead of the game against Stoke it was not in a state that would have allowed him to play.

Wenger told Arsenal.com

Kieran Gibbs still has an inflamed ankle. The test yesterday told us it didn’t work.

This ankle problem is the seventh of Gibb’s Arsenal career although the other injuries he has suffered this season have concerned his hip/thigh and hamstring with his last ankle problem coming in April.

An inflamed ankle, at least, doesn’t sound too serious so hopefully the defender won’t be sidelined too long.

Arsenal’s treatment room:

[ultimatetables 1 /]