Arteta ruled out of Champions League clash

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed midfielder Mikel Arteta will miss Tuesday’s Champions League decider with Milan.

The former Everton man was stretchered off in the club’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend after receiving concussion following a blow to the head when he collided with Jordan Henderson.

Wenger told reporters: ‘We have lost Benayoun, Diaby and Arteta as well. Arteta has to rest for a week. Rosicky is doubtful too. But we will put out the best side for us to qualify.”

The Gunners manager is confident his side can progress to the next round of the competition despite having to overcome a four-goal deficit but he feels his side must find balance in their play.

“We can score goals. In the last two home games we scored 12. We must find a balance between attacking and defending,” Wenger said.

“If Milan can score four, we can do it as well… we know we can put a good performance in.”

The Frenchman still believes his team can catch Tottenham in the Premier League despite their rivals being four points ahead of them with 11 games to play.

He also feels his team have nothing to lose when they play Milan but admits they will have to throw everything at their opponents at the Emirates.

“I said it was not impossible (to catch Tottenham) because we had to play them… we have been consistent,” Wenger said.

“I can see on your faces a lot of scepticism. We have to make sure we don’t share that scepticism. We will have to gamble, the task is difficult, but as a player it is a good game to have in front of you.”