Why Serge Gnabry Is the Forgotten Arsenal Player Who Will Explode in 2015/16

German midfielder Serge Gnabry did not play a single minute of first-team football in 2014/15. However, his absence should not allow his talent to be forgotten.

If he can stay healthy throughout next season, he could be in line to make a massive impact at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger has been a big believer in Gnabry’s talents ever since he paid £100,000 to sign him from Stuttgart in 2010. He first began to train with the first-team squad in the summer of 2012, aged just 16. By September of that year, he had made his senior debut, coming on as a substitute against Coventry City in the League Cup.

However, it was the following season that would prove to be his real breakout year. He was named on the bench for the opening fixture against Aston Villa but made his first league start in September 2013 against Stoke City as a late replacement for Theo Walcott.

Bogdan Maran/Associated Press

In the very next league game, he opened his Arsenal account with a well-taken goal at Swansea City. A succession of impressive performances resulted in a new long-term contract with the Gunners on improved terms and a nomination for 2013’s prestigious Golden Boy award.

Whenever Gnabry took to the field, he looked older than his years. His body was muscular and able to bounce effectively off opposition markers, while his decision-making was decidedly mature. He appeared destined for a huge future.

Then the knee injury struck. The timing was particularly cruel, as it came at a point when Gnabry’s major rivals for a first-team place—Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain—were also sidelined for long periods. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

At the back end of last season, Gnabry made a return to playing with the Arsenal U21s before joining the German U21s in this summer’s European Championship. He is still recovering from taking part in that tournament but is expected to join up with the first-team squad when they return from their tour of Asia.

Gnabry knows it will not be easy to force his way back into contention, but he sounds ready for the challenge. Speaking to David Wright of the Express, he said:

"

I’m hoping to make an impact in pre-season to get the manager to see that I’m back on track again. I’m hoping that this pre-season goes well for me and that I can establish myself.

Pre-season is there for everyone to show what they’ve got. It’s the start of the season so everything is new. I’m hoping to make an impression.

I guess I’ll be going away with the first team but I’ve got the Under-21 European Championship with Germany first so I’ll see what happens after that.

I came here with the dream to play for Arsenal’s first team and I did that before my injury. I’m hoping to get back to playing for the first team next season.

"

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

It’s incredible to think that, despite such a long absence, Gnabry is still just 19. With Alexis Sanchez set to miss the start of the season, there could be an opportunity for him to get some game time in one of the wide positions.

If Gnabry can stay fit in 2015/16, he is certain to make his presence felt. He has all the talent; now he just needs some of the luck.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2015-16 season. Follow him on Twitter here.