Why Mathieu Debuchy Should Replace Hector Bellerin in Arsenal Team vs. Burnley

This weekend, the Arsenal squad will be boosted by the return of four experienced players. At his pre-match press conference, Arsene Wenger confirmed to the club’s official website that Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy will all be available for selection.

Only one of those players can mount a decent case for inclusion. French full-back Debuchy is a strong candidate to come straight back in to the starting XI at the expense of Spanish youngster Hector Bellerin.

At first glance, that might seem unduly harsh. Bellerin was outstanding in Arsenal’s last match, scoring his second goal of the season as the Gunners saw off Liverpool with a 4-1 win. His speed and skill gave the team a constant outlet on the right flank, providing width when Aaron Ramsey floated inside to his preferred central areas. 

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However, impressive though Bellerin was in flashes, it should not be forgotten that he also showed his inexperience by diving in at the feet of Raheem Sterling to concede a penalty. Arguably, he was lucky to finish the game without receiving a second yellow card.

As good as Bellerin has been, there are still some rough edges to smooth out of his game. With the season approaching its critical climax, Arsenal can not afford for him to continue learning on the job.

Debuchy did not play in Arsenal’s U-21 match in midweek. However, Wenger insisted that is not due to any recurrence of his injury:

"Debuchy is alright. I can only play three players over 21 [in the under-21 league] so he is physically fit and ready. He lacks a bit of a competitive edge but overall he has no medical problems."

If he is deemed ready to start a Premier League game, Burnley seems an appropriate time to introduce him. He has been in full training for a couple of weeks now and has to make his return at some stage.

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With doubts over Laurent Koscielny, who has a thigh strain, Debuchy’s return could help ensure Arsenal do not field a back four lacking in Premier League experience for what should prove a taxing trip to Turf Moor.

For his part, Bellerin could probably do with a break. As impressive as his progress has been, Arsenal must take care not to overexpose him. Calum Chambers was called upon too regularly in the first half of the season, and the level of his performances subsequently began to tail off. 

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When he has been fit, Debuchy has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season. His rugged performances have allowed Gunners fans to all but forget the painful loss of Bacary Sagna last summer. Since moving to London, Debuchy has demonstrated why he started ahead of Sagna during France’s 2014 World Cup campaign.

He’s been hugely unfortunate with injuries since leaving Newcastle, but there is still time for Debuchy to make a major contribution to the Arsenal cause. With the battle for second place intensifying and an FA Cup semi-final just around the corner, the timing of his return could not be better.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.