Udinese vs Arsenal preview - Wenger cleared for dug-out duty

Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by PA

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be allowed to be at pitch-side for the Champions League play-off second leg against Udinese after UEFA agreed to defer his two-match ban.

The London club and European football's governing body confirmed the decision on Tuesday night, after Arsenal appealed against the ban given to Wenger for breaking the terms of an earlier suspension during the first leg of their tie last week.

Arsenal had immediately indicated their intention to appeal, but decided to initially seek a delay to the ban before contesting it fully. UEFA have agreed to the request, granting Wenger some respite after a difficult few weeks.

Asked if this was the most challenging time he had ever faced as Arsenal boss: "I believe that's part of my job. I'm not at all destabilised by that.

"Overall, my job is to give my best to do well for my club and that's what I do with complete belief in the team and the players I have available.

"I think that's the best opportunity to show as well that we are good enough to fight for this club."

Wenger has called for a solid performance from his side as they defend a 1-0 first-leg lead.

"They're quick on the flanks, so I think we have to keep them quiet, especially (Mauricio) Isla on the right side, who's a provider.

"In midfield, of course, they have some good players, and (Antonio) Di Natale up front.

"So, overall, we need a good, solid defensive performance.

"But we have experience in the Champions League and that's a good way to use it tomorrow night."

Wenger revealed England midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury, but Tomas Rosicky is in the squad after overcoming a thigh problem, as is Johan Djourou (hamstring) and Armand Traore (groin).

Laurent Koscielny will not play after suffering a back injury against Liverpool at the weekend but could be fit to face Manchester United on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin has told his players to cut out the mistakes or face an early Champions League exit.

The performance was enough to convince Guidolin that his side can upset their more fancied rivals, however he knows their inability to score an away goal has left them with a tricky task in front of their home fans in Udine.

"The second leg will be more difficult," he said in a press conference today.

"We face one of the best teams in Europe and 1-0 is a result to be worried about. It does not allow you any room for error.

"We must try to score, but without losing our balance and also remembering that Arsenal can hurt us with their speed.

"We must do everything well and have a little luck, but we can still qualify - we have not lost 5-0 in London.

"In the first leg maybe we began a little in awe of Arsenal, but my players deserve praise for not raising the white flag after the goal."

After missing the first leg through injury striker Striker Antonio Floro Flores is set to miss out again while there are further problems in defence. Centre-half Maurizio Domizzi has been ruled out with a thigh problem while right-back Dusan Basta is also a doubt.