Gunners set to field rookie

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Regular number one Manuel Almunia has been sidelined for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury, and Poland international Lukasz Fabianski is now rated as only 50/50 to face the Potters because of a knee problem.

"Lukasz Fabianski has a problem with his knee, so Vito Mannone might get a call-up," said manager Arsene Wenger, who presumably could even ask Under-18 stopper James Shea into the senior squad as cover should Fabianski fail to be match fit. "But we still have to assess Fabianski. He is 50/50 for the game at the moment."

Italian Mannone, 21, has been part of the senior side as an unused substitute in the past, but his only domestic league experience comes from four games while on loan at Barnsley back in 2006.

Midfielder Samir Nasri (knee) is ruled out, but otherwise Arsenal report no fresh injury problems from last weekend's game at Manchester United, which clinched the title for the Red Devils following a goalless draw.

Wenger, meanwhile, has allayed fears he was set to quit Emirates Stadium for Real Madrid following criticism by some supporters in the wake of a fourth campaign without silverware, and will set about strengthening the squad over the summer while also seemingly prepared to allow unsettled Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor to leave the club.

Andrey Arshavin has netted six times from 14 appearances since arriving from Zenit St Petersburg on deadline day in January.

The Russian - who hit all four goals at Liverpool - believes with a full preparation, he can prove even more of an asset for the kick off in August.

"I have only been at the club since January, so the new campaign will give me a chance to have a full pre-season and I think it will benefit me and the club," Arshavin said.

"I have settled in quickly, though, and am looking forward to the challenges of the new season - one that we all hope will see us bring some trophies to the club for the players and the fans."