Wenger: Arshavin is a model pro

Published: 09 Dec 2009 - 07:30:53

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The Russians, coached by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, suffered a shock defeat to Slovenia as their bid to reach next summer's finals in South Africa came to an end last month. Following a television report from state-controlled Channel One claiming players had partied into the early hours ahead of the qualification play-off first leg in Moscow, there is to be an inquiry by the Russian football authorities. Wenger, however, insists Russia playmaker Arshavin - who joined the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window - is a model professional. "He is a serious player and I have no doubt about his fitness at all," the Arsenal manager said. "I do not believe a word of what I hear, not at all. "From what I see, how he prepares for the games, he is an example for everybody." The Russian Football Union, meanwhile, intend to get to the bottom of the reports. A statement on their website, www.rfs.ru, read: "The RFU sent an official letter to the heads of Channel One and the Marriott Grand, asking them to provide explanations about the reliability of the reported information." Olympiacos 10/11, Draw 9/4, Arsenal 7/2