It must be tempting for Konstantinos Mavropanos to wonder just quite how much game time he would have received in the first half of the season had he been available.
The highly rated young Greek defender has, owing to a groin injury, had to watch from the sidelines as Arsenal have utilised various different options at the back during something of a selection crisis.
Mavropanos is, thankfully, edging closer to a return and recently resumed full training with the squad following a lengthy absence.
Given the current predicament that Arsenal find themselves in, especially with Rob Holding likely to miss the rest of the season, it would be tempting to throw Mavropanos into action as soon as possible.
However, the reality of the situation is that, given how long he has been out, Mavropanos must be eased back slowly and the likelihood is that he will get some games under his belt with the U23s first before he is even considered for involvement with the first-team.
Later in the season, though, Mavropanos could well prove to be a useful option for Unai Emery’s side. Last campaign he demonstrated in his appearances at youth level and his fleeting outings for the first-team (his sending off against Leicester City aside) that he is a fine prospect.
Strong physically, an excellent passer and a superb reader of the game, Mavropanos is very talented and possesses experience of playing in both a back three and a back four.
If Arsenal manage Mavropanos’ return carefully then the 21-year-old could be extremely valuable in the latter stages of the campaign. He may not have much experience of top flight football, but he has much in the way of potential and will be eager to take his chance when it does arrive.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
The FA Cup tie against Blackpool would be a good run-out for Mavrapanos. Is he the only left-sided CB we have, other than Holding?
Really hoping he can do well again. Looked very promising before injury.
That would be way too soon. He’ll play at least two under-23 games before even being considered. Seeing as they don’t play until January 7th, throwing him straight in with no warm up would be suicide.
I agree. It would be a huge mistake. Hopefully Emery doesn’t let desperation get the better of him. Dinos and Holding should become the backbone of our defense in the years ahead, but right now we should sign that Spanish kid Fernando Calero from Real Valladolid. His release clause is nothing (10 million) and he’s 23 years old, which means if we don’t like him we can sell without much fuss. I’d rather we get Koulibaly, but Kroenke won’t even splurge on a bag of crisps!
Welcome back Mavropanos
Still think, with Kos and Nacho being 30+ and injury prone, that a signing in defence is a must!!!
I find him exciting not just because of his talent or physical presence, but because he was Sven’s first signing. Considering all of Sven’s signings so far have been top notch, it means something that he signed him first.
I often wonder if Sokratis was signed with Mavros in mind as a balanced pairing.
Really liked the look of this kid. The towering, physical presence we’ve been missing for some while potentially. Here’s to hoping he recovers nicely and can pick up where he left off from last season.
LANS Mavropanos
Happy to see him getting over the groin injury. Looking forward to a progressive integration with the team that will be beneficial to both player and club in the long run. Welcome back Mavrop.
Much needed news. This kid must return soon, our defence is so depleted.
Wee need to get rid of wengers touch . Ozil a waste ramsey is good but he messed up. Kosc can go. We need youth and socratis