Arsène Wenger
'Match fitness a vital factor in selection'
- Arsenal release seven players
- Wilshere has successful minor knee procedure
- Szczesny - Henry’s goal turned our season
- Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Two
- Emirates Stadium pitch renovation - Pictures
- Top 20 Most Liked
By Nick Teale
Arsène Wenger says match fitness will play an important part in his team selection for Sunday's trip to Liverpool.
The Frenchman told reporters at his pre-match press conference that, while you can gamble on one or two players, it is important to have players who are fully fit at the start of the season.
Robin van Persie hasn't played since the World Cup Final and Cesc Fabregas has just 45 minutes with Spain under his belt.
Denilson and Alex Song have both returned to training and could feature at Anfield while Abou Diaby is "fully available" for Sunday's match.
When he spoke to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon, Wenger said he was yet to decide on whether or not to play Van Persie and Fabregas. And that hadn't changed when he spoke to the media on Friday lunchtime.
"You can take a gamble on one or two," he said. "But when the championship starts you need players who are match fit.
"I will leave that [decision] until tomorrow because we have some other players just coming back. They are doing quite well but they are a bit short of match fitness of course.
"They could be involved in the squad because Fabregas has played 45 minutes. I have not decided yet.
"Not only them but we have some other players who are injured who have not played until now - like Denilson, like Song, like Diaby and match fitness will play an important part in my selection of course on Sunday.
"Denilson and Song are in training - if needed they can at least travel. Song has not practiced yet with the team. He will do that tomorrow. Diaby is fully available."
[Friday, August 13, 2010]
More Arsenal News
-
Tue, May 22, 2012
Arsenal release seven players -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Wilshere has successful minor knee procedure -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Emirates Stadium pitch renovation - Pictures -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Szczesny - Henry’s goal turned our season -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Two -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Season Review 2011/12 - Premier League -
Mon, May 21, 2012
Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part One -
Mon, May 21, 2012
Camping on the Pitch 2012 - Picture gallery -
Mon, May 21, 2012
Vote for your Goal of the Season NOW! -
Mon, May 21, 2012
'It's been tactical, tough and physical'
