Tottenham boss Martin Jol is refusing to read too much into Arsenal being under-strength tonight, insisting Arsene Wenger’s second-string side could compete in the Premiership.
Wenger is set to field his youngsters and reserves at White Hart Lane in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, with a clash against Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium up for grabs.
Among the players in reserve at Arsenal include England U21 forward Theo Walcott and Julio Baptista, the Brazilian who scored four against Liverpool in the last round.
“It is their responsibility, but I feel that their second team, or kids, or reserves, is probably as strong as any other Premiership side outside of the top four,” said Jol.
“Baptista was transferred for €20m last year and he is playing for the kids. I was interested in him a few years ago but he did not have a passport."