Gunners defender hoping to earn starting spot.
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Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal admits it has been a struggle for him to remain behind Kieran Gibbs in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, according to the Daily Express.
The Spanish international defender joined the Gunners from Malaga last January and initially looked set to provide stern competition for Gibbs in that position, though the English youngster has done well to cement his place in the side.
With Monreal keen to be playing for his country at next summer’s World Cup, he is aware of the importance of regular first-team action for his club, but has confidence that he can impress Arsene Wenger in training and challenge Gibbs for his place.
The 27-year-old also says he understands the decision of Wenger to continue playing Gibbs, with the England international in fine form at the moment and the team in general doing well, so there being little need for the manager to change the lineup around.
He told the club’s official website: “In truth it is a tough moment for me because the manager is choosing Kieran over me, but to be honest he is playing very well. All of the games that he’s played in he has done well, the team is on a good run, and I don’t see things changing in the short-term.
“There is nothing I can do but to keep training, do the best I can so that when I do get the nod from the manager, I can take advantage of my chance and show him that he can count on me.
“It is tough, every player wants to play, their maximum goal is to play the games, and right now I can only watch – I should say suffer – from the bench. But I will wait for my chance, keep on working, and show the manager that I am not giving up.”
Monreal has made 21 appearances in all since his move from La Liga earlier this year, scoring one goal, though he has been limited mostly to substitute appearances in this time.