FA PREMIER LEAGUE:ARSENE WENGER has been spared making a decision over his number one goalkeeper as Manuel Almunia has still not recovered from his elbow injury and will not be under consideration for the home fixture against Fulham tomorrow.
Wenger has started with Lukasz Fabianski in Almunia’s absence yet the Arsenal manager has shied away from declaring that either player is his first choice, a policy that has attracted criticism.
Wenger will have to nail his colours to the mast once Almunia is fit but the Spaniard remains unable to fully extend his elbow, despite playing in a reserve-team match nine days ago. He played for 45 minutes in the 2-1 win over Wolves but did not look entirely comfortable.
Almunia’s last appearance for the first team came in the shock 3-2 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion on September 25th, the match in which he took the bang to his elbow and played poorly.
If, as expected, Fabianski retains his place when Almunia is fit, the latter may consider his future at Arsenal. Wenger could play Almunia in the League Cup semi-final ties against Ipswich Town and the FA Cup third round against Leeds United but that may not be enough to satisfy the 33-year-old.
In a twist to the club’s goalkeeping situation, Mark Schwarzer, who was a transfer target for Wenger during the summer, has agreed a new contract at Fulham. “He was obviously very flattered by the interest,” said Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager. “We’re delighted he’s decided to stay here and we can move forward now.”
Hughes made resolving Schwarzer’s future a priority after being appointed Fulham manager in the summer.
“It was a situation I walked into,” said Hughes, confirming Arsenal’s interest.
“Obviously, there was lots of talk and there had been contact, I think, between both clubs prior to myself walking through the door.
“It wasn’t a situation that I wanted to develop because I’ve got a huge admiration for Mark and his ability as a goalkeeper.”
Wenger has a slight doubt over Samir Nasri for tomorrow’s game; the midfielder took a knock to a knee in the Carling Cup win over Wigan Athletic on Tuesday but is expected to be passed fit. Wenger remains without Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby and Sebastien Squillaci.
Wenger is unsure whether to hand Robin van Persie his second start of the week after the striker played 73 minutes against Wigan.
- Guardian Service
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