DEFENSIVE PROBLEMS:
Arsenal plugged a gap up front by signing Danny Welbeck on the final day of the transfer window. Manager Arsene Wenger may now be regretting not bolstering his defense, too.
The English club begins its 17th straight season in the group stage of the Champions League with defensive problems due to Debuchy's absence. Calum Chambers will fill in at right back but it leaves no senior cover in that position or at center back, with Wenger having sold Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona in the off-season.
In attack, it will likely be a choice between Welbeck, who made his debut against City, and Alexis Sanchez as lone striker as Olivier Giroud is a long-term injury absentee.
The closest Wenger has come to winning the Champions League in his 18 years at Arsenal was an appearance in the final in 2006, when it lost to Barcelona 2-1."For him, that would be the icing on the cake if you like," Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said. "I think this is the one he really, really wants."
