Wenger happy with Arshavin´s commitment

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Andrey Arshavin is a victim of the club’s depth and praised the Russian’s passion for football.

The 31-year-old winger has made just one appearance in the league so far this season, coming off the bench as a late substitute during the 0-0 draw with Sunderland on the opening day.

Wenger conceded it was normal for a player to be unhappy with seeing so little playing time at this stage of his career, before revealing that the Russia international will be involved in the side’s upcoming League Cup game against Coventry City.

“I have personally a great respect for Andrey Arshavin because sometimes some wrong ideas are circulated about him – that he doesn’t care, but it’s completely the opposite,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“He’s a 200 percent professional who works very hard in training every day.

“At the moment he’s a victim of the high level of competition that exists for places. He has a huge respect from everybody in the dressing room, and especially from the staff.

“I feel he’s unhappy that he doesn’t play because deeply he loves football and he practices every day with 100 percent commitment. I’m happy to give him some competition on Wednesday night.

With concerns over the make-up of his side for the cup game against the League One outfit, Wenger revealed he expected to integrate some of the younger members of the squad at the same time, granting them some much-needed playing time in the process.

“Hector Bellerin, Kris Olsson, Serge Gnabry, Nico Yennaris and Craig Eastmond could be (involved),” Wenger said.

“All these players could have an opportunity to play. Ignasi Miquel will play. We will have a good mixture of experience and professional top-class players.

“We want to put out a talented side that has a good chance to win the game. We will give a chance to some players who have not played as many games recently.

“The players that did not play on Sunday (at Manchester City) will get a chance and it’s a good opportunity for them to show they can do well.”