Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Gunners turn to Mannone

22 May 2009 - 08:01:42

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Arsenal are ready to hand rookie goalkeeper Vito Mannone his first-team debut against Stoke City following an injury to Lukasz Fabianski.

Fabianski has deputised for injured number one Manuel Almunia in the last three games but is now struggling himself with a knee problem.

That opens the door for 21-year-old Italian Mannone to make his first appearance for the Gunners in the season-ending clash with the Potters.

"We have a problem with our goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who has a problem with his knee," manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.

"Vito Mannone might get a call-up. But we still have to assess Fabianski. He is 50/50 for the game at the moment."

Meanwhile, France midfielder Samir Nasri has been ruled out of the final game of the season with a fresh knee problem.

Wenger added: "Nasri has patella tendonitis and is out for the weekend.

"Apart from that, everyone from the Man United game (last weekend) is okay."