Source: Team_Talk
Wenger reveals faith in Fabianski
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]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 Frenchman.[LNB]"It is not easy for a keeper to come in and out.[LNB]"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]Wenger, though, insists being low on numbers should not be an issue for the Premier League side, who did not have a game at the weekend.[LNB]"It is difficult to say how long they will be out," he said. "But it is not a serious concern.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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][LNB] Porto v Arsenal. Click here to bet.
