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Gibbs blow could see Wenger move for loan deal

Arsene Wenger admits his January transfer plans to are dependent on the fitness of Kieran Gibbs © Getty Images

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is ready to dip into the January transfer market to reinforce his injury-hit defence after Kieran Gibbs suffered a setback in his recovery from hernia surgery.

All four of Arsenal's specialist fullbacks - Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Andre Santos and Gibbs - are currently sidelined and Wenger's woes deepened on Sunday evening with the news that centre-back Johan Djourou, who has provided cover at right-back of late, is out for three weeks with a groin problem.

Centre-halves Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny are expected to start at fullback in Wednesday night's Premier League game at Aston Villa and Wenger has admitted he is "starting to look at players" to alleviate the crisis.

Gibbs' setback is the final straw for Wenger and a final prognosis on the injured defender will decide whether Arsenal bring in replacements. "It depends now on Gibbs," Wenger said. "He sees a specialist again today and if something happens there that he has had a real setback then possibly [I will go into the loan market], yes."

Wenger added: "It is not a shop, you just take a good opportunity that is on the market when you can. Overall that's what we are doing at the moment. We are starting to look at players if Gibbs is not back."

Wednesday's newspapers have linked Arsenal with a move for former England fullback Wayne Bridge, who is surplus to requirements at Manchester City and has been urged to move on by his manager Roberto Mancini.

Arsenal boss Wenger did reveal some good news from the Emirates treatment room about Sagna, who broke his leg in October. "He has started to run again yesterday and today," he said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal expect to find out on Wednesday if their home game against Wolves on Boxing Day will go ahead. The club are considering moving the game back 24 hours due to a proposed tube drivers' strike called by union Aslef.

London Underground is challenging Aslef's strike in the High Court and Arsenal are expected to base their decision on whether the game goes ahead on the hearing. Chelsea's home game against Fulham could also be in jeopardy if the strike takes place.

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