Gunners won't take Wenger ban lightly
Arsenal will fly out to Italy this afternoon with manager Arsene Wenger facing another touchline ban for tomorrow’s crunch Champions League play-off against Udinese, which could see the Gunners nightmare start to the season take another turn for the worse.
Wenger was yesterday found guilty of failing to abide by UEFA rules surrounding his original ban – imposed after last season’s last-16 defeat to Barcelona when he had criticised the referee – after he passed messages to the coaching staff at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, before being warned not to continue by match delegates at half-time.
UEFA also fined Arsenal €10,000 for the improper conduct of their officials during the match.
Arsenal, though, maintain officials from Europe’s governing body had told them in the build-up to the game Wenger would be permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench, and the club will appeal.
Because of the ban, Wenger decided against fulfilling his post-match media commitments, a pattern which he could well follow again at the Stadio Friuli should UEFA uphold their decision.
The news is the latest blow to the Gunners who are going through one of the toughest spells of Wenger’s tenure.
Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home by Liverpool on Saturday, when they were without Alex Song and Gervinho, both serving suspensions in the fall-out from the ill-tempered goalless draw at Newcastle.
However, the duo will be available for the European tie, along with captain Robin van Persie, who was banned for the first leg after his red card in the Nou Camp.
Should Wenger again select contract rebel Samir Nasri, it would cup-tie the France midfielder and prevent him for playing with another team in the competition, as talk of a £22 switch to Manchester City continue.
Arsenal, though, could see midfielder Jack Wilshere return from his ankle problem, while Johan Djourou’s recovery from a hamstring complaint could offset the loss of Laurent Koscielny, who hobbled off on Saturday following a back spasm.
Spanish teenager Ignasi Miquel came on to make his Premier League debut against Liverpool.
The 18-year-old centre-half insists all is not yet lost for the Gunners.
“We have to work hard and forget about this result,” he told www.Arsenal.com.
“Next week we have Manchester United and, firstly, Udinese in the Champions League. It is pointless to think about [the Liverpool] result.
“We have to be positive because Udinese have to score two goals. We have to be positive, give 100 per cent and, if we do that, I am sure we can win it.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to be linked with a string of players, with Wenger said to be ready to spend the £30m received from Barcelona for captain Cesc Fabregas.
Everton defender Phil Jagielka is reported to be on the Arsenal manager’s shortlist, along with Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila and Lille forward Eden Hazard.
