Wenger puts his faith in youth for Athens trip

Published on Tuesday 8 December 2009 22:37

ARSENE Wenger concedes he is taking something of a gamble by bringing a youthful squad to Athens – but the Gunners manager is convinced his young charges can deliver a big performance against Olympiacos.

With safe passage into the Champions League knockout stages already secure as Group H winners, Wenger will not risk the fitness of any more first-team regulars ahead of Sunday's crucial Barclays Premier League encounter at Liverpool.

Captain Cesc Fabregas, defenders William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen and playmaker Andrey Arshavin all remained in London, while winger Tomas Rosicky is set for around a month out with a groin problem. As a result, the Arsenal squad which left Luton airport yesterday contained ten teenagers and had an average age of 20.

England forward Theo Walcott was a familiar face on the plane after recovering from a hamstring problem, while Alex Song also made the trip. Veteran Mikael Silvestre will add an experienced head, while goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, Wales international Aaron Ramsey, England Under-21 midfielder Jack Wilshere and Mexico striker Carlos Vela have all played in Europe's elite competition before.

With the Liverpool showdown approaching, Wenger insists his first-choice stars need to recover. "I am happy that we absolutely do not have to win this game," he said. "All of the players that I have left have little knocks and need a rest, so I travel with a very young team."

Wenger, however, accepts there will be debate over the inclusion of his youngsters. "It is a risk, because you know that if you do not win the game, you will be criticised," he added. "But I trust these players to do well."