Friday, 15th August, 2014
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has explained he will have a similar squad to call upon for the club's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace as was the case for the Community Shield last weekend.
Wenger's men beat Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley and Wenger will again call upon the same group in a bid to get the Gunners off to a positive league start at the Emirates Stadium.
And that means Arsenal's German trio of Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski remain out, building up fitness after returning from holiday later than the remainder of Arsenal's squad due to their World Cup win.
"[Laurent] Koscielny should be back but the Germans are not ready yet. It will be a similar squad to Man City", Wenger told a press conference this morning.
He also expressed his delight at the transfer business he has done so far, bringing in Calum Chambers, Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina.
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"I'm happy with all the players I have signed.
"They have integrated with the team very well", the Frenchman added.
And Wenger is confident about his side putting in a strong display against Palace, even if it will not be easy, with the Eagles "uncomfortable" opposition.
"We are positive and confident but the performance tomorrow will depend on how we start and how we concentrate.
"The best way to achieve a fast start is take it game by game. Palace are always an uncomfortable opponent."
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