Arsenal Defensive Dilemma: What's To Become of Kieran Gibbs?

The Premier League has come to an abrupt halt due to the somewhat annoying international break, which hosts the Euro 2012 qualifiers. This ensures that much of the world's weekend entertainment is temporarily disabled.

However, it is a particularly stressful period for Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman impressively boasts 14 players in different age groups away on international duty. Wenger will be praying none of his respective 14 sustain injuries, which in the past have occurred, decimating his young squad.

Last season, talismanic striker Robin van Persie received a virtually season-ending injury when away with the Netherlands. Similar to last season, the Gunners are on the verge of form, and Wenger will be eager for his players to regroup in order to rebuild and prepare for the upcoming games that return on September 20.

However, one player who would be relieved to be on international duty due to the prospect of actually getting a game in is promising left back Kieran Gibbs. The 20-year-old was a surprise call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad last month, having recently returned from a serious ankle/foot injury that saw him miss the predominant part of last campaign.

Gibbs is a highly talented left back who excelled during the later parts of 2008-09. Since returning from his foot injury, the English starlet has been unable to receive opportunities, and may be forced to look to the League Cup for field time.

The former Wimbledon youth is a pleasing prospect. Blessed with great speed, vision, and strength, Gibbs is a doughty defender who boasts great attacking traits, allowing him to be a great all-around threat, as well as the versatility to play all around the park.

But with Gael Clichy still the lead left back and having made no glaring errors in the first three encounters, it is unlikely the Frenchman will be dislodged from his defensive post.

Many fans feel Clichy will soon depart the Emirates due to a number of giant Spanish and Italian sides offering big cheques for his services. If that occurs, it will enable Gibbs to step up into the dominant left back role, but this prospect is nowhere near certain—but one thing that's for certain is, barring injury, Clichy will see out the season in red and white.

Gibbs does boast a heavy amount of experience in the midfield and is equally at home patrolling the wings.

Should Wenger move the England international out of the backline? 

The Arsenal manager has stated he would be open to utilizing the former Norwich loanee in the midfield, and with the likes of Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey still absent for some time, that move is easily possible.

But Clichy is prone to lapses in form as well as fitness issues, and Gibbs, the able deputy, could easily receive that well deserved opportunity. For now the Englishman will look to a starting spot against Bulgaria, but the debate still remains open.

What should be done with Kieran Gibbs?