By Richard Clarke
Gilberto will play for Arsenal at Sheffield United on
Wednesday.
Media reports had suggested the Brazilian midfielder would not
feature in the Carling Cup tie after refusing to play at centre
half at Bramall Lane.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online on Tuesday afternoon, Wenger
vehemently refuted such a suggestion.
"I deny that categorically, and I find this assessment
disrespectful to a great professional like Gilberto," said the
manager. "He is 100 per cent professional and is in the squad
for tomorrow. He will play.
"I believe that as a manager and as a player you always
have one thing in your mind and that is what is good for the club
and the team. I cannot fault Gilberto on that since he arrived
here.
"Recently he has played less, but his mentality has been
superb. It is important to win every single competition and in this
one I use younger players because traditionally it has always been
like that. It has helped us a lot to develop the players."
The only injuries in the Arsenal squad are Philippe Senderos (back)
and Robin van Persie (knee) but there is every possibility neither
would have played. Wenger has always put out a squad side in this
competition and it seems he will continue in the same vein on
Wednesday.
"You could see Justin Hoyte and Song," he said.
"Walcott maybe and Eduardo will play. We will need a strong
squad up there."
