Source: Daily_Mail
Lukasz is just Fab: Wenger talks up stand-in keeper ahead of Porto clash
Arsene Wenger has every confidence Lukasz Fabianski can rise to the challenge in the Champions League against Porto tonight. [LNB]With regular number one Manuel Almunia set for a spell on the sidelines because of a finger injury, Fabianski, 24, will get another opportunity to stake his claim. [LNB] The young Pole, out earlier in the season after knee surgery, has seen Italian Vito Mannone emerge as a genuine challenger for the long-term goalkeeper's jersey at the Emirates Stadium. [LNB] Opportunity: Lukasz Fabianski can stake a claim to be Arsenal's regular no 1[LNB] Fabianski may have been somewhat exposed on his last outing during the FA Cup defeat at Stoke but Wenger has complete faith in his stopper. [LNB]'I believe that Fabianski is top, top level and has massive potential,' said the Arsenal boss. [LNB]'It is not easy for a keeper to come in and out. What he misses at the moment is the number of games but I have no doubt about his potential.'[LNB]Despite heading to Portugal with some five first-team regulars missing, Wenger maintains there can be no excuses should Arsenal fail to deliver the result needed at Estadio do Dragao. [LNB]Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin, centre-half William Gallas, defensive midfielder Alex Song and Croatia striker Eduardo were also not among the 18-man travelling party, leaving the Gunners somewhat light as they prepare for the first leg of their last-16 clash. [LNB] Top stop: Fabianski saves from Olympiakos forward Leonardo[LNB]Wenger, though, insists being low on numbers should not be an issue for the Barclays Premier League side, who did not have a game at the weekend. [LNB]'It is difficult to say how long they will be out,' said the Arsenal manager. 'But it is not a serious concern. The concern is that the players who are here perform at their best. [LNB]'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.'[LNB] With Gallas unavailable because of a calf problem, veteran former skipper Sol Campbell could be in line for his first European appearance with the Gunners since leading them in the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona. [LNB] The 35-year-old has been used only twice since securing a shock return to the club he captained to so much success along with the likes of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.[LNB]Wenger believes former England international Campbell still has plenty left to offer. 'Sol's experience can be important,' said the Arsenal manager. [LNB] '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.'[LNB] Arsenal rocked by injury crisis! Gallas, Arshavin, Almunia, and Song ruled outSkeleton Crew: 'Spineless' Arsenal must dig for victory against PortoWenger marvels at Hulk and warns Arsenal must stop Porto strikerARSENAL FC
