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Arsene Wenger not fazed by injury crisis at Arsenal
Boss urges available players to perform against Porto...
16 Feb 2010 22:50:00
By Adrian Fisk
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims that the mounting injury troubles faced by his squad do not concern him.
The Gunners take on Porto at the Dragao Stadium in the Champions League on Wednesday night without regulars Manuel Almunia, Andrey Arshavin, William Gallas, Alex Song and Eduardo, but Wenger insists it is imperative that his remaining players perform in their absence.
"It is difficult to say how long they will be out, but it is not a serious concern,” said the Arsenal boss.
"The concern is that the players who are here perform at their best.
"It is part of the season that you do not always have all the players available to select the team but I am not bothered by that."
Sol Campell could make his first European appearance in an Arsenal shirt since the 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona and Wenger highlighted the importance of Campbell’s experience of European competition.
"Sol's experience can be important tomorrow.
"For a central defender, it is a bit special [to still be playing at 35] but, as long as you are hungry to work hard to keep yourself fit and you are not bothered by injuries, then a central defender can play three or four years longer than a striker."
Arsenal have never beaten Porto in Portugal, having been defeated 2-0 in 2008 and earning a goalless draw four years ago. The Gunners boss expects another tricky encounter.
"It is always difficult in Porto - they always have a team who is committed and technically very good.
"You respect a team like Porto because you know they will always give you a good game.
"It is the last 16, a cup draw, so it is always tight. We have 180 minutes where we have to be on top and no-one can predict what will happen.
"We will try to do our best."
With a dearth of striking options available to him, Wenger may offer a starting berth to Nicklas Bendtner.
The Danish international has recently recovered from a three-month spell on the sidelines, and much is expected of him from the Arsenal coaching staff.
"I think we will see the best of him now as he is getting to the best age for a striker.
"Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but, at 22, you have to start to play at the top level.
"Nicklas is a boy who has a big potential.
"He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today.
"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker.
"We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back."
Bendtner himself believes Arsenal are capable of competing at the highest level and commended his fellow team-mates.
"We have a great group," said the Dane.
"All the players here have proved they belong at the top level and they have done fantastically well."
The Gunners take on Porto at the Dragao Stadium in the Champions League on Wednesday night without regulars Manuel Almunia, Andrey Arshavin, William Gallas, Alex Song and Eduardo, but Wenger insists it is imperative that his remaining players perform in their absence.
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"It is difficult to say how long they will be out, but it is not a serious concern,” said the Arsenal boss.
"The concern is that the players who are here perform at their best.
"It is part of the season that you do not always have all the players available to select the team but I am not bothered by that."
Sol Campell could make his first European appearance in an Arsenal shirt since the 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona and Wenger highlighted the importance of Campbell’s experience of European competition.
"Sol's experience can be important tomorrow.
"For a central defender, it is a bit special [to still be playing at 35] but, as long as you are hungry to work hard to keep yourself fit and you are not bothered by injuries, then a central defender can play three or four years longer than a striker."
Arsenal have never beaten Porto in Portugal, having been defeated 2-0 in 2008 and earning a goalless draw four years ago. The Gunners boss expects another tricky encounter.
"It is always difficult in Porto - they always have a team who is committed and technically very good.
"You respect a team like Porto because you know they will always give you a good game.
"It is the last 16, a cup draw, so it is always tight. We have 180 minutes where we have to be on top and no-one can predict what will happen.
"We will try to do our best."
With a dearth of striking options available to him, Wenger may offer a starting berth to Nicklas Bendtner.
The Danish international has recently recovered from a three-month spell on the sidelines, and much is expected of him from the Arsenal coaching staff.
"I think we will see the best of him now as he is getting to the best age for a striker.
"Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but, at 22, you have to start to play at the top level.
"Nicklas is a boy who has a big potential.
"He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today.
"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker.
"We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back."
Bendtner himself believes Arsenal are capable of competing at the highest level and commended his fellow team-mates.
"We have a great group," said the Dane.
"All the players here have proved they belong at the top level and they have done fantastically well."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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