Almunia back for Arsenal

Arsenal will receive a massive boost on Sunday with the return of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia for their FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town.

The fourth-round tie at the Emirates will also see midfielders Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky join defender Sebastian Squillaci in the Gunners’ squad, while Bacary Sagna will be rested after receiving a knock to the head in their Carling Cup win over Ipswich on Tuesday.

Almunia has not featured for the Londoners since September after incurring elbow and ankle injuries, but manager Arsene Wenger assured fans he was fit and firing to tackle the Towners.

“Definitely back in the squad is Diaby, Squillaci, Almunia and certainly Rosicky,” Wenger said.

“Sagna will definitely not be used because of his head injury. I will rotate (the squad), that is what I do now in every single game.”

Wenger said he would not sign players prior to the transfer deadline on Monday just for the sake of it, suggesting his squad has enough depth to win at least one trophy this campaign.

“I focus on my squad and I feel we have 22, 23 outfield players who can cope with what we need,” he said.

“Vermaelen looks to be making good progress, Squillaci is back available, so that was the only position we were short, at centre-backs.”

“If I don’t make any signings it is because I have not identified a special player who could strengthen our squad at the moment.”