Arsene Wenger has expressed confidence in his team ahead of the Europa League clash against Red Star Belgrade tonight; stating that his back-up attacking trio, consisting of Jack Wilshere, Oliver Giroud and Theo Walcott, is ready to step up anytime needed.
“It’s difficult to make a difference”, he said highlighting the depth of his squad. The French manager also pointed out that Jack Wilshere is in top form and ready to feature regularly, for Arsenal as well as England.
During his press conference, Wenger said: “I think he is ready. He was not three weeks ago, but he is today. He is ready to play in every single competition. I would encourage him [Gareth Southgate] to do it. I don’t know how you can keep a super fit Jack out of the England squad.”
This is a clear sign of the trust Wenger has put in Wilshere since the beginning of the season.
He’s also given an update on Sead Kolasinac’s injury: “Of course he is not involved today. He is not ruled out yet for Sunday.”
Wenger stated he is pleased with the positive attitude of the players, saying it’s the first time he sees that in his squad.
“There is respect within the squad, that’s an important ingredient“, added the Arsenal boss.
In the Premier League, Arsenal are facing Manchester City this Sunday, who are taking on Napoli in the Champions League midweek.
Pep Guardiola’s team has been consistently impressive since week one in the Premier League and still bearing an impeccable, unbeaten record, are brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.
Wenger, however, mentioned that every single Arsenal game is of the utmost importance. He added:
”It’s two big games but the focus is always on the next one because every game for Arsenal is very important”.
In the three games Guardiola’s faced Wenger, he’s won one game, drawn one and lost one.
On the future of Arsenal transfers, Arsene Wenger said he would not pursue Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez, nor Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, due to the depth of his squad.
Despite that, Wenger pointed out that young players should be given a chance considering England are U20s and U17s World Champions.
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Words: Nikolay Kolev | Subbing: Damian Burchardt