Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ready to call on the kids for clash against Olympiakos
Arsene Wenger openly admits he will not gamble with the fitness of any of hisfirst-team regulars against Olympiakos in their final Champions League groupgame and intends to give the youngsters another chance to impress. [LNB]With safe passage into the knockout stages already secure, Wenger will bring ayouthful squad to Athens tomorrow to give some of his walking wounded a chanceto recuperate ahead of the vital Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool onSunday. [LNB]Forwards Theo Walcott and Eduardo both missed the win over Stoke on Saturdaywith minor injuries, while Czech winger Tomas Rosicky was substituted athalf-time with a groin problem which could keep him out for a month.[LNB] Struggling: Eduardo is doubtful through injury[LNB]William Gallas, Emmanuel Eboue, Armand Traore and Andrey Arshavin all sufferedknocks during the 2-0 win, leaving Wenger with something of a selection headacheahead of Wednesday night's European tie. [LNB]However, given the group is already won and there is nothing other than prideresting on the outcome, the Gunners boss is ready to give those players whohelped reach the Carling Cup quarter-finals another chance of big-gameexperience.[LNB]'In the competition as a whole this season, the boys did really well and I amextremely proud of them. I will give some of them an opportunity on Wednesday,for many reasons,' Wenger said. [LNB]'At the moment we have so many players injured that we cannot take anygambles; also you must give players a breather when you can. You will see Fran [Merida], [Jack] Wilshere etc. [LNB]Hot prospect: Jack Wilshere will feature [LNB]We played Manchester City last week and they had a full side out. For an hourwe did not suffer at all. I will try to build a similar team in Greece. [LNB]'It will be a great game for them because Olympiakos will play for something,and it is another good opportunity to show that we can do better than we did atMan City.'[LNB]Olympiakos, coached by Brazil legend Zico, are currently unbeaten at the top ofthe Greek domestic league and recently beat arch-rivals Panathinaikos. [LNB]A draw would be enough to see Olympiakos - who lost 2-0 at the Emirates Stadiumin September - also safely through to the last 16 ahead of Standard Liege.Despite Wenger selecting a young side, the likes of Wales midfielder AaronRamsey, Wilshere and Mexico striker Carlos Vela already have plenty of Europeanexperience. [LNB]Veteran Mikael Silvestre - a Champions League winner with Manchester United in2008 - will, meanwhile, provide a calm head at the Georgios KaraiskakisStadium.[LNB]'He doesn't get enough praise for his attitude and his quality,' said Wengerof the 32-year-old. [LNB]Ready action: Fran Merida's in line for a Champions League appearance[LNB]'Silvestre's commitment to the cause was absolutely fantastic at Man City. People respect him highly in the dressing room. He's a quiet leader.[LNB]'He is a positive guy and helps the young players, but of course the best helpis to win the games.' [LNB]With Robin van Persie sidelined until April at the earliest following anklesurgery, Wenger is likely to be in the market for a striker when the transferwindow opens in January. [LNB]The Arsenal manager, though, laughed off suggestions he would be in for formerManchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.Fellow Dutchman Klaas Jan Huntelaar, along with Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh and19-year-old Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic are all names on Wenger's reportedwanted list. [LNB]However, the Arsenal manager cautioned: 'Let's not dream too much in Januarythat we can find a world-class player, who is what is needed to strengthen ourteam, who is not cup-tied in the Champions League and who is free.' [LNB] Arsenal legend Adams lined up as New York boss... and he could bring Thierry with himChelsea and United don't get as many injuries as Arsenal, says boss Wenger PICTURE SPECIAL: Mistletoe and whine as miserable Arsenal players hold Christmas party ARSENAL FC
