Arsene Wenger considered replacing Calum Chambers in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Liverpool and revealed that the England defender is struggling with confidence.
But after being substituted in Arsenal’s defeat at Southampton on New Year’s Day, the 20-year-old made only three Premier League starts.
And he struggled in Arsenal’s draw against Liverpool on Monday night after forming a central defensive partnership with Gabriel.
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“He has lost a bit of confidence compared to the player he was last year,” said Wenger.
“I don’t think it will have killed him to replace him. I did not sub him as I wanted to save my offensive options. It gave him time to recover. He recovered quite well in the second half.”
Wenger will make a late call on whether Chambers will start at St James’ Park. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny both missed the Liverpool game and remain doubts.
