Saturday, 16th August, 2014
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he may have to throw his German stars into action in next week's Champions League qualifier against Besiktas.
Wenger chose not to play Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium today, feeling they need extra rest given their World Cup efforts, with Germany winning the trophy in Brazil.
However, with a vital match in Turkey on the agenda on Tuesday evening, Wenger admits he may be forced into a rethink. And the Frenchman will take a view tomorrow.
Speaking to the BBC after the win over Palace, Wenger said: "The Champions League qualifier is massive game for us next week against Besiktas, we have a short time to recover.
"Normally the German players would not play in that game.
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"We will have to see on Sunday but only in case of emergency."
Arsenal fell behind against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium today, but drew level on the stroke of half-time, before finding an injury time winner to claim three points.
Wenger will now assess the physical condition of his players before deciding who is fit enough to take on Besiktas in Istanbul.
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