Arsenal have been dealt a defensive blow with the news that goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Polish countryman Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal for Arsenal when they visit Newcastle on Saturday.
Wenger will be determined to take all three points back to London after a solitary Andy Carroll header won the game for the Tynesiders when the sides last met at the Emirates in November.
The goal from the new 35 million-pound Liverpool man was the only shot the away team had in that fixture and the Gunners will hope their fortunes are different in this game as they look to keep the pressure on league leaders United, who play in Saturday’s late kick-off.
“We had bad news for Lukasz Fabianski because he needs surgery on his shoulder,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
“He has decided after having seen a few specialists that he will have surgery in Germany. It means his season is over.”
“Manuel Almunia has just returned from an injury lay-off and will now battle with youngster Wojciech Szczesny for the number one jersey. Wojciech will play the next game.”
Wenger also revealed the kick that Alex Song received in the 2-1 win over Everton on Tuesday would keep him out of the Newcastle clash.
On a better note, Theo Walcott has overcome a knock he suffered in the same game and should be available.
Samir Nasri and long-term absentee Thomas Vermaelen remain out. Wenger said it could be three to four weeks before either of them will be available.
But the fallout of the comeback win against the Toffees is ongoing, with Wenger stoutly defending captain Cesc Fabregas after claims he abused referee Lee Mason.
The manager argued that his captain was normally ‘an example on the football pitch’. He also questioned the treatment the Spaniard has received by opponents recently and the motivation of his critics.
Fabregas was allegedly seen speaking to the official in the tunnel at the Emirates at half-time in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Everton, and Toffees manager David Moyes claimed the midfielder should have been sent off for his comments.
“Cesc Fabregas hasn’t said anything to the referee. I maintain what I say,” Wenger said.
“Cesc Fabregas has not been charged over this story and for me it’s over.”
“If I come out with what I’ve heard in the tunnel in the last 10 years you would be amazed. And I think there is a rule in our job not to say, never to come out with, what is said in the heat of the moment and that is usually respected by everybody.”
Asked if he thought there was a witch hunt against Fabregas, the Wenger replied: “Yes. We are long enough in the job to know that somebody picks on you for a while, and when you are in the heat of the moment. When Cesc is on the pitch, he tries to play football – I cannot say everybody who plays against him tries to do that.”
