Emiliano Martinez's Lack of Experience Could Prove Costly for Arsenal in Europe

Faced with injuries and suspensions ravaging his squad, Arsene Wenger has prepared for Arsenal's clash with Anderlecht on Wednesday with Emiliano Martinez in mind as his goalkeeper.

Wenger's hand has undoubtedly been forced, for Martinez's stark lack of experience at the highest level might be the Gunners' Achilles heel in Brussels.

Courtesy of The Independent's Tom Sheen, Arsenal's preferred goalkeepers are unavailable for the Champions League tie at Constant Vanden Stock. Wojciech Szczesny misses out from a suspension picked up against Galatasaray last time out in the competition, and with a training injury ruling out David Ospina, it falls to Martinez to safeguard Arsenal's net.

The unproven South American has a mammoth task ahead of him.

The Champions League, as Europe's premier club competition, always prompts as complete a performance as possible from its teams to ensure progression from the group stages. 

The best way to ensure such a performance would typically be to rely on a line-up filled with experience from front to back.

Clearly, that's an option not available to Arsenal on Wednesday.

Even against a less-fancied outfit such as Anderlecht, composure, confidence and keeping a cool head are vital for this most prestigious of competitions.

This might confirm an uphill battle for Arsenal with Martinez between the sticks—who has just two competitive starts for Arsenal.

Having a calming presence at the heart of Arsenal's defence is more important then ever, given the injury torment Wenger currently faces. A patchwork back line featuring Nacho Monreal out of position and teenager Hector Bellerin was exploited by Hull City at the weekend. 

With Per Mertesacker's form an additional question mark, the leadership on the pitch the manager so craves is missing as well.

In addition, there's been no real opportunity for Martinez to gain that experience that would stand him in such good stead in this fixture. 

Ospina played in the early exit from the League Cup, a competition usually used for blooding younger stars. With Arsenal playing no further part in the tournament, circumstances would normally prevent any further opportunity for Martinez, as third-choice goalkeeper, to see time on the pitch. 

As a result, he comes into the side with his last competitive fixture in Arsenal colours being the 7-5 bloodbath against Reading in October 2012. The Argentine in goal completes Arsenal's inexperienced defence.

Bringing light to the situation is the fixture itself.

In a tight group that also features Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray, Anderlecht are undoubtedly the underdog of Group D. With that in mind, having these personnel difficulties couldn't come at a better time for the Gunners.

Every game in the group is significant for Arsenal from here on out. With three points to their name, their Belgian and Turkish rivals aren't far behind with one each. Such small room for mistakes means every point counts.

Which means that with tougher games yet to come, being forced to start Martinez in this particular fixture is a lucky break. Szczesny, as Arsenal's No. 1, should be reinstated for the return fixture against Anderlecht and the final group matches as well, bringing with him steely resolve and experience.

For now, however, Martinez has to dive straight into a defensive corps in need of organisation. It can't be helped, but the lack of familiarity between the players at the back might well lead to chaos.

For Wednesday night, Arsenal have to rectify their recent poor form with a dilapidated squad. A loss will be unacceptable, a draw sub-optimal.

With the defence in such poor shape, expectations might have to take a hit for one night only.

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What do you make of Arsenal and Martinez's chances against Anderlecht on Wednesday? Let us know with a comment below or alternatively throw me a line on Twitter.