BBC pundit shares his worry about Kieran Gibbs

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Kieran Gibbs featured in Arsenal’s Premier League game against Sunderland at the weekend.

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Garth Crooks has revealed on BBC Sport what he is worried about Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs.

The Englishman has suggested that the 27-year-old left-back may not be able to stay the course of an entire season.

Crooks made the comments following Arsenal’s comfortable 4-1 victory over Sunderland away from home in the Premier League at the weekend.

Gibbs started the match at the Stadium of Light and played for the entire 90 minutes.

Former Tottenham and Stoke City forward Crooks was impressed with the performance of the England international and has included him in his BBC Premier League Team of the Week.

The 58-year-old, though, has wondered if the Arsenal left-back will be able to play to this level for the rest of the season.

“He hasn’t played many games this season, mainly because of injuries,” Crooks wrote about Gibbs on BBC Sport. “However, when he does play, Arsenal always look far more adventurous down their left flank.

“There is no doubting Kieran Gibbs’ technical ability, lovely poise and delightful left foot, but I do worry about his ability to stay the course of a full season.”

“This is a big season for Arsenal and it’s time Gibbs came of age and made this position his own,” added Crooks. “Besides, England can always do with another good left-back.”

Arsenal are second in the Premier League table at the moment with 23 points from 10 matches.

Arsene Wenger’s side are level on points with leaders Manchester City and third-placed Liverpool, with the three sides separated only by goal difference.

The Gunners will return to action on Tuesday evening when they take on Ludogorets Razgrad away from home at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Champions League Group A.