Wenger Confident Over Champions League Win In Portugal
17th February, 2010
Arsenal face Porto tonight for the Champions League in Portugal and Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger, has every confidence that Lukasz Fabianski, 24, can rise to the challenge whilst the side’s regular goalkeeper is on the sidelines due to a finger injury.
"I believe that Fabianski is top, top level and has massive potential," said the Arsenal boss."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."
Despite starting the game with five first team regulars missing from the line up, Wenger maintains that Arsenal will deliver results at Estadio do Dragao. Manuel Alumnia, Andrey Arshavin, William Gallas, Alex song and Eduardo will not play the game.
Despite five players being out, Wenger insists that it shouldn’t be an issue for the North London team.
"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. 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."
Former skipper Sol Campbell could be in line for his first European appearance with the Gunners since the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona.
The 35 year old has only played twice since his shock return to the club and Wenger believes that the former England international still has lots left to offer.
"Sol's experience can be important," said the Arsenal manager."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."
Despite this, Porto is still the favourite with their home leg with Bet365 backing them to win at 13/10, the draw is priced at 9/4 and Arsenal are backed as winners at 9/4.
By Carol
