Sepp Blatter’s wrong over 2022 winter World Cup, says Arsene Wenger

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FIFA president Sepp Blatter said today he expects the Qatar finals to be held in January because of the extreme summer weather.

But the Arsenal boss believes the proposition is unrealistic and would deepen the rift between football's governing body and England after being snubbed in the bidding process to stage the 2018 competition. Wenger said: "It looks like an idea that has come out of nowhere because nobody was told that when the bid was voted for.

"That would demand a complete reorganisation of the world's fixtures. It would create many problems between clubs and countries and countries and FIFA."

Wenger claimed that "there is a small chance" out-of-favour keeper Manuel Almunia could leave this month, while 10 clubs have approached Arsenal over a loan move for striker Carlos Vela.

"I would prefer it if he stayed in England because for us it is easier to go and watch him," he said.

Wenger will rest Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshere for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Leeds at Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta has won his appeal against the red card he was shown at Arsenal on Wednesday following his clash with Bacary Sagna.