Arsene Wenger's warning to Arsenal over John Terry affair

Terry was set to meet England manager Fabio Capello at Wembley this afternoon to discuss his international future in the wake of the revelations of the defender's affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

The 29-year-old may not know his fate until after the weekend as Capello will be in Warsaw on Sunday for the Euro 2012 qualifying draw and he could wait to see if more allegations emerge.

The day after the story broke, Terry was barracked by Burnley fans during Chelsea's game at Turf Moor and he was taunted again as the Blues drew 1-1 at Hull on Tuesday.

Wenger, though, is anxious his side do not get distracted by the circus surrounding the defender and told them to concentrate on their own game.

"Maybe it will be affect them, I don't know," said the Arsenal manager. "I feel it is very important for me to keep a distance and not hope that it is has had a bad influence on them.

"We know we will only win if we perform and have the right attitude and not if Chelsea have a weakness. Let us make sure we are at our best."

The Gunners go into the match six points behind the Blues and Cesc Fabregas claimed earlier this week that defeat would end their title hopes for another season.

But Wenger insists Chelsea's failure to win at Hull proves teams will continue to drop points and called on his players to regain their consistency following last weekend's chastening home defeat to Manchester United.

He said: "There are more twists and turns to come — you saw that again at Hull. It is difficult for anybody to win anywhere. That's why I believe if we are tough and persistent in our attitude, we will be rewarded.

"It is very important to stay in touch because we know we can have a good run. We must not look too much at the mathematical differences. We can come back, it is just down to our performances.

"I put these kind of statements [from Cesc] down to the huge disappointment which you can understand from our players.

"Let us keep fighting to the last second of the season for every point. That is the attitude you want to have and not speculate too much.

Sometimes speculation can be in your favour and encourage you but sometimes speculation can kill the morale when you look at the table.
"The teams that win fight until the end of the season and that is what we want."

Despite Wenger's comments, Florent Malouda believes Chelsea can end Arsenal's bid to be champions.

The winger said: "We have to stay focussed on ourselves but if we beat Arsenal I think the title will be over for them. It's important to make the difference now. There will be a big pressure on their shoulders."

Chelsea are boosted by the return of midfielder John Obi Mikel following the Africa Cup of Nations. Juliano Belletti also could return to the squad following a knee problem.

But Wenger will be without Eduardo as the Croatia striker is still struggling with a hamstring problem.