Johan Djourou vows to impress for Arsenal in centre-half role

Johan Djourou believes Arsenal will see the best of him now he is set to get the chance to impress in the centre-half role

By The Sport Review staff Saturday 18 February 2012, 10:32 UK @thesportreview

Arsenal face Sunderland in the FA Cup fifth-round on Saturday The Sport Review

arsene wenger

Johan Djourou has promised to prove his worth at Arsenal now the Swiss defender is set to get an extended run in his favoured centre-half role.

Arsène Wenger revealed on Friday that Per Mertesacker is expected to be a long-term absentee following surgery on his ankle after the German suffered ligament damage during the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Sunderland last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny will miss Arsenal’s trip to the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup fifth round due to a knee injury picked up against AC Milan on Wednesday night.

It leaves Djourou, who has deputised at right-back for Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson over the winter months, as Wenger’s preferred option to fill the vacated centre-half role alongside Thomas Vermaelen.

“I am happy to be back in my position and to show what I am worth,” Djourou told Arsenal’s website.

“This season has been a bit harder for me. I have had to play out of position where I am not used to but I have tried to do my job, but I am not a natural right back.

“People forget and think that if you play in a position, ‘Johan Djourou is a right back’, but I am not, I was there to help the team. Now I am back in my position and I will show everyone my qualities.”