Almunia out but Gibbs travels

Posted Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by PA

Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (elbow) for the Champions League Group H trip to Partizan Belgrade, but England full-back Kieran Gibbs (foot) has travelled to Serbia.

Youngster Henri Lansbury - who scored his first senior goal in the Carling Cup win at Tottenham - is also in the 18-man squad, along with 20-year-old reserve keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who will provide cover for Lukasz Fabianski. Midfielder Abou Diaby did not travel, having just recovered from an ankle problem.

Captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) remains sidelined, along with centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), though both could return against Chelsea next weekend.

Strikers Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie (both ankle) and Nicklas Bendtner (groin) are all still out, along with Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey (leg).

Arsene Wenger has backed reserve keeper Fabianski and the rest of his young Arsenal team to rise to the challenge when they take on Partizan Belgrade in what is set to be a highly-charged Champions League encounter in Serbia tomorrow night.

The Gunners were shell-shocked by their home Barclays Premier League defeat to West Brom on Saturday, where they had trailed 3-0, and now must look to get their season back on track with a positive result in one of the most intimidating atmospheres in European football.

Partizan may have come through three rounds of qualifying to reach the group stages, but the Belgrade side are in good form, with five wins from six to top their domestic table.

Wenger, though, maintains lessons have been learned from what was an abject display against the Baggies.

"The disappointment was very deep, but we can learn from what has happened to us," said Wenger.

"We realise that we need to be focused in every single game, produce performances in every single game and that is what I believe we have learnt from Saturday.

"I believe in the intelligence of my group players and I have no doubt in their talents.

"We will be highly motivated and will try to redress what was not right on Saturday."