Food for Thought: What Does Johan Djourou's Injury Mean for Arsenal?

Arsenal continue their pre-season dominance over virtually unknown Austrian teams with a 4-0 thrashing of SC Neusiedl 1919. However the impressive victory was severely marred by the early departure of imposing centre half Johan Djourou.

Djourou limped off the field just at the half hour mark which came as a massive blow. The Swiss defender missed the whole of last season bar the final game due to injury and had only just returned to full fitness.

There is no light on how severe the hamstring injury was but news is expect to develop soon. If the 23 year old has suffered a serious injury it will ensure the Arsenal central defensive stocks are at a dreadful low.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has already released defenders Philippe Senderos, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Cambpell which leaves Thomas Vermaelen, new boy Laurent Koscienly, Djourou and Harvard Nodtveit as the centre half stocks. 

Although it is still a strong array of defenders it lacks sufficient depth and it may force defensive midfielder Alexandre Song back into a central defensive role.

However, Wenger is expected to purchase at least one more defensive signings to reinforce some more depth into his backline.

Arsenal defensive problems have worsened throughout recent seasons and if it wasn't for the arrival of Belgium Thomas Vermaelen last season who knows how Arsenal would have faired.

If Wenger hopes to break the Gunners five year trophy drought, a sturdy, reliable backline is vital. Djourou has proved the tenderness of his fitness and Kosclienly is yet to prove he is capable of performing in the Premier League.

Although Arsenal do boast formidable wide defensive performers in Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue, Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs. The real damage is usually done down the middle and in the air.

However Harvard Nordtveit has been touted as a great defensive prospect despite his tender age of 20 and the Norwegian youngster does boast sufficient experience due to loan spells. Whether he is ready to step up is a different story.

Furthermore the defence needs to aid who ever ends up as the first choice keeper in 2010/2011. If defensive errors continue than Arsenal could fast find themselves out of the top four and into a chamber of criticism, abuse, and worry.