Kieran Gibbs has revealed he had to dart back from holiday when he received a surprise call-up from Gareth Southgate to the England squad.
The Arsenal left-back hadn’t been included in the original squad but got the nod after Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand picked up an injury ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Slovenia.
The selection was all the more pleasing for Gibbs given his lack of playing time at the Emirates this season.
“I was away when I got called, because I wasn’t in the original squad,” the 27-year-old told the official matchday programme ahead of Arsenal’s game with Middlesbrough.
“During the international breaks we train hard during the week but then we get the weekend off, so I was actually away when i got the call.
“They called me to go so I flew straight back and met up with the team. I obviously met Gareth Southgate and it’s a whole new setup, new staff and everything since I was last there.
“It’s all freshened up again so it was good to be involved.
He added: “Obviously, you want to be there because you feel like you have deserved your place, but at the same time it’s nice to know that you are not out of the picture just because you are not playing as much.”
Gibbs made just his second start of the season in the 6-0 win over Ludogorets on Tuesday and he admits it was a physical challenge.
“The most difficult thing is physically really, because it doesn’t matter how much you train or how good you might feel, there’s nothing like being match fit and obviously week in week out takes you up to another level physically.
“That’s the only thing really, getting sharpness that you crave when you are not playing. There’s nothing better than feeling fully physically fit and sharp.
“You get to enjoy your football that much more when you are 100 per cent. Apart from that, it was obviously nice to get another game.”
Gibbs is expected to be on the bench for this afternoon’s game with Middlesbrough before returning to the first team for next week’s EFL Cup game with Reading.
this man deserves more minutes. he has a wand of a left peg too
He’s a man now as well.
this is a true Arsenal player. despite the lack of playing time, I’ve never once heard of him spouting off. he bided his time, works hard, and puts in a shift every time he’s called upon. the perfect sort of depth player you can ask for.
27? Shit! We’ve been very lucky to have him as a left back backup for so long!
I really like Gibbs. I think he’s a great player. I also like that even though he’s lost his place there has never been any whining or moaning. No agents in the press saying how their client has ‘other offers’ and needs ‘more minutes’. He’s just been very professional and when called upon has done a great job. Especially that equaliser against the spuds.
Really wouldn’t begrudge him a move at the end of the season, although I’d be sad to see him go. He’s a brilliant back-up and has a great attitude, and hasn’t mouthed off since he’s lost his place.
I really think he deserves more game time, if anything to give Monreal a bit more competition
I agree. Monreal is superior, but not so much better to deserve so many more minutes than Gibbs.
Very unfortunate for averagely good player like Gibbs
In my own opinion I think Gibbs is a better LB than nacho. That’s not to say I don’t like nacho. I just feel Gibbs blocks crosses a bit better
One club man gibbs.
Is it me or does he look quite a bit older compared to last season?