Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will be making a number of changes to his team for the FA Cup clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The cup holders face a daunting trip to Manchester in the last eight as they seek to defend their trophy.
Arsenal have come off worst in recent clashes with the Red Devils, winning only one of the last 15 meetings between the long-standing rivals.
Wenger has lost January signing Gabriel to injury and he will be recalling goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for the game at Old Trafford.
“Gabriel has a little hamstring injury and will be out for two to three weeks,” Wenger said. “He is not available for the weekend and not for West Ham or Monaco.”
The defender had impressed in his first Premier League start against Everton last weekend but was forced to limp off during the midweek victory over QPR.
Polish international Szczesny meanwhile has fallen behind David Ospina as Arsenal’s number one but Wenger said he will be given some game-time in the cup.
Arsenal are 3.30 to successfully retain the FA Cup that they won by defeating Hull City after extra time at Wembley last May.
A trip to Old Trafford may not have been Wenger’s desired choice at this stage but he says the hunger is strong amongst his squad to retain the trophy.
“We have won the FA Cup last year, we are the holders and we want to keep it,” he said. “This competition is important to us and the cup is all about giving all on the day.”
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet