Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Mathieu Debuchy is back in his first team plans.
After making a shock return to action against Red Star Belgrade in October, Debuchy has racked up five starts and become a regular in Wenger's second string. To cap it off, his well-struck 11th-minute effort last night marked his first goal in almost four years as the Gunners thrashed Europa League opponents BATE Borisov.
“He is under contract," Wenger told the London Evening Standard. “His future is down to his performances now and I opened the door for him many times because he didn't play and because he has [Hector] Bellerin in front of him.
“We have as well Ainsley [Maitland-Niles] now who can play right and left, but I consider him like anybody else and I must say I have a huge respect for his professional side and how much he did fight to come back to the top. He's a tough, tough guy. Tough worker.
“He's mentally strong. I've said many times in this job you can never give up, no matter what happens for you and always be ready in case you're needed. Not many can do that, but Mathieu can do that."
Source: tribalfootball.com