Arsenal: Konstantinos Mavropanos return just as big as Koscielny’s

Arsenal are still without the services of Laurent Koscielny, but they are also without Konstantinos Mavropanos, and that is just as big a miss.

It’s been a stressful time for the Arsenal defense. They’ve had to reuse and recycle the same three centerbacks (two when Sokratis was out) all season. Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi have been as far as the options go. Calulm Chambers is at Fulham, Koscielny has been hurt and, on the opposite end of the spectrum, so has Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Koscielny is on the mend now, and set to return to the side, which is such an amazing boost that I don’t think I need to dwell on it. The very concept of him and Sokratis bringing stability to the defense is just delicious.

But while his steely composure is welcomed in that spectrum, the pending return of Mavropanos may be just as important.

The back line has, as mentioned, been incredibly stretched and, as it stands, Rob Holding has been the sole young defender casting a bright light on the future prospects of the club.

Mavropanos hasn’t been forgotten, but he hasn’t been thought about much, despite the massive breakthrough he made last year, and the rousing round of applause he got every single time he so much as grazed an opposing player with a tackle.

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The importance of bringing back Mavropanos is these midweek fixtures. We have been missing out on giving defenders breaks. They’ve been called on to play midweek and weekend fixtures without break for the entire season. And while the “easier” fixtures may be behind us, Mavropanos will still be able to find his footing in these side competitions and establish himself as a present day threat, or as someone who needs a bit more time.

And that’s pretty important. Especially with rumors floating around regarding new, young defenders that the Gunners may be pursuing.

I love when an internal solution can be preferred over an external one, and I’d especially love if Mavropanos could step out of the shadows a bit and show himself as a Premier League talent before the transfer window sets in.

From what little we saw, Mavropanos has the look of a surprise. He only made a few appearances at the tail-end of the year, but he was already becoming a favorite for the fans, and it was because of his hard-nosed approach, not all that different fro his countryman, Sokratis.

Even if he only provides depth for midweek fixtures, that keeps the Premier League defenders primed and fit for when they’re needed most.