Source: Team_Talk
Koscielny set for baptism of fire
Arsene Wenger admits no amount of hype can help prepare Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny for his Premier League debut at Liverpool on Sunday.[LNB] The unproven 24-year-old is set to partner Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners rearguard following injury to Johan Djourou.[LNB]It will certainly be a baptism of fire for the former Toures centre-back at one of the world's most intimidating venues.[LNB]Koscielny - eligible for both Poland and France - has turned in a couple of decent performances during pre-season for the Gunners, having moved in a £10million deal from Lorient.[LNB]Wenger is confident once the action gets under way the young centre-back will prove another shrewd acquisition.[LNB]"I have spoken to him and he will discover the Premier League on Sunday," the Arsenal manager said.[LNB]"You can talk and talk, but at the end of the day the players show what they can do on the pitch and he will have an opportunity to do that."[LNB]Arsenal will assess the match fitness of World Cup finalists Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, but Wenger hinted both could yet feature at Anfield.[LNB]Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh is another summer arrival in line to make his debut, with Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner likely to be out for another month because of a groin injury.[LNB]Wenger believes the free transfer from Bordeaux can be a big hit in the Premier League.[LNB]"Chamakh is a striker who works very hard, is a team player and makes players around him good and better - that is why all the players loves him," said the Arsenal boss.[LNB]"He had a very good pre-season and can give us something which is very important in England - he is good in the air.[LNB]"He has everything you would want from a typical centre forward we have known before in England, that means someone who plays to fight up front and works very hard for the team."
