Arsenal seem to have a thing for developing quality left backs, first Ashley Cole, then Gael Clichy and now potentially Kieran Gibbs.

Last season when Gael Clichy picked up a back injury, the then 19 year old Gibbs stepped in to deputise. And He did not disappoint with solid defensive displays as well as getting forward to set up and support attacks, rarely looking out of his depth.

Then unfortunately against Manchester United in the CL semi final a Gibbs’ slip allowed Park Ji Sung to grab a crucial away goal in the opening 7 minutes. Clearly with his confidence shaken Gibbs was subbed at half time but it seem he has put the whole episode behind him as he has returned this season with more impressive displays looking especially good against Wolves.

Now it has been confirmed that Gael Clichy has a stress fracture in his back and will be out for the foreseeable future, it means Gibbs will again get a run in the first team. So if he can perform at the high level he has previously, the idea of seeing Gibbs in South Africa does not seem too farfetched.

Only 20 years old and 29 first team appearances to his name, Gibbs would be a long shot but definitely one worth taking. He would be an understudy to Ashley Cole as no other left back has stood out head and shoulders above others to claim that position. Stephen Warnock has impressed this season and is steadily staking a claim where as Wayne Bridge has been the opposite, with Alan Hansen reserving special criticism for the Man City left back after errors he committed played a part in all 3 of Burnley’s goals in a 3-3 draw.

If fit, Ashley Cole is a dead cert to hold the left back spot, but in case of emergency it would be good to bring in a player that can attempt to provide the same threat going forward that Cole provides as well as the stability in defence.

When asked about Gibbs, Fabio Capello said he ‘is the future’ and even considered him for the squad against Brazil this past weekend but decided against the idea to allow Gibbs to get more experience playing for the u21s.

But by May, Gibbs should have a number of games under his belt for both Arsenal and England’s u21 team thus the experience that Capello thinks he needs should not be a problem.

It is more than obvious that Gibbs has talent in abundance and when you add natural athleticism it is the making of a great left back. With Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy coming before him Gibbs has a great pedigree and under Arsene Wenger, who has an ability to cultivate young players into stars, Gibbs will only improve. So like Ray Parlour do not be surprised if you see Gibbs in South Africa next year.

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