Arsenal star Arteta faces late fitness test ahead of Olympiakos tie

Oct 2, 2012 2:20:00 PM

Arsene Wenger could be without the Spaniard for the visit of the Greek side, while fellow midfielder Abou Diaby faces three weeks out after picking up a knock against Chelsea

Mikel Arteta will undergo a late fitness test on an ankle injury ahead of Arsenal's Champions League fixture against Olympiakos on Wednesday evening.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, boss Arsene Wenger confirmed that the Spaniard picked up a knock during the Gunners 2-1 defeat at home to Chelsea, with midfielder Abou Diaby and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny both set to remain sidelined until after the international break.

"Arteta will have a test tomorrow on an ankle injury. Diaby is out with a thigh injury. Szczesny will be two or three weeks still," the Frenchman told reporters.

The north London outfit won their opening group match 2-1 away to Montpellier and, while Wenger, who serves the second of his three-match touchline ban during Wednesday’s games, is happy with their current position, he admits that it will count for little if they fail to perform against their Greek opposition.

He added: "It's a big advantage [to have an away win already] but only if you're efficient at home. The ban is not a handicap. It would not be an excuse."

Jack Wilshere finally made his return to action after 14 months out when managed 62 minutes for the club's Under-21 side against West Brom on Monday and Wenger was glad to see him back playing, adding: "We are pleased, but we will take it slowly. He is exceptionally happy."

Finally, the Frenchman praised the efforts of young ful-lbacks Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs, who have impressed at the start of the campaign, along with the speed that new signing Santi Cazorla has settled at the club.

He continued: "Last year we had a problem with injuries. Now Carl is growing in every game. [Gibbs] has found stability in his performances. I am very happy with his performances.

"We are over the moon with Santi. He is not only an exceptional player, but a great person."

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