Source: Team_Talk
'Proud' Wenger to select his 'boys'
With safe passage into the knockout stages already secure, Wenger will take a youthful squad to Athens on Tuesday to give some of his walking wounded a chance to recuperate ahead of the vital Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday.[LNB]Theo Walcott and Eduardo both missed the win over Stoke on Saturday with minor injuries, while Czech winger Tomas Rosicky was substituted at half-time with a groin problem which could keep him out for a month.[LNB]William Gallas, Emmanuel Eboue, Armand Traore and Andrey Arshavin all suffered knocks during the 2-0 win, leaving Wenger with something of a selection headache ahead of Wednesday night's European tie.[LNB]However, given the group is already won and there is nothing other than pride resting on the outcome, the Gunners boss is ready to give those players who helped reach the Carling Cup quarter-finals another chance of big-game experience.[LNB]"In the competition as a whole this season, the boys did really well and I am extremely 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 any gambles; also you must give players a breather when you can.[LNB]"You will see Fran [Merida], [Jack] Wilshere etc.[LNB]"We played Manchester City last week and they had a full side out. For an hour we did not suffer at all.[LNB]"I will try to build a similar team in Greece.[LNB]"It will be a great game for them because Olympiacos will play for something, and it is another good opportunity to show that we can do better than we did at Man City."[LNB]Olympiacos, coached by Brazil legend Zico, are currently unbeaten at the top of the Greek domestic league and recently beat arch-rivals Panathinaikos.[LNB]A draw would be enough to see Olympiacos - who lost 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in September - also safely through to the last 16 ahead of Standard Liege.[LNB]Despite Wenger selecting a young side, the likes of Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Wilshere and Mexico striker Carlos Vela already have plenty of European experience.[LNB]Veteran Mikael Silvestre - a Champions League winner with Manchester United in 2008 - will, meanwhile, provide a calm head at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.[LNB]"He doesn't get enough praise for his attitude and his quality," said Wenger of the 32-year-old. "Silvestre's commitment to the cause was absolutely fantastic at Man City.[LNB]"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 help is to win the games."[LNB]With Robin van Persie sidelined until April at the earliest following ankle surgery, Wenger is likely to be in the market for a striker when the transfer window opens in January.[LNB]The Arsenal manager, though, laughed off suggestions he would be in for former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.[LNB]Fellow Dutchman Klaas Jan Huntelaar, along with Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh and 19-year-old Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic are all names on Wenger's reported wanted list.[LNB]However, Wenger: "Let's not dream too much in January that we can find a world-class player, who is what is needed to strengthen our team, who is not cup-tied in the Champions League and who is free."[LNB][LNB]
