Wenger reveals Arshavin eagerness - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Wenger reveals Arshavin eagerness

Arsene Wenger has revealed Andrey Arshavin is "desperate" to be part of Arsenal's FA Cup bid, starting against Hull in Tuesday night's quarter-final.

The Russian opened his account with two goals in the 4-0 romp over Blackburn on Saturday, but also sustained a nasty gash to his right foot and received stitches at half-time.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "Arshavin had eight stitches in his foot but he is still in the squad."

He added: "We will make a decision, he is desperate to be involved. He just wants to play. He couldn't practice but we'll assess him in the morning (Tuesday)."

Arshavin cannot play for the Gunners in the Champions League having already represented Zenit St Petersburg this year, and registered too late to play in the last round of the cup.

If he is passed fit, Gunners full-back Bacary Sagna is confident Arshavin can power Arsenal into the last four, where a Wembley meeting with Chelsea awaits.

"Arshavin cannot play in Europe but he had a good game against Blackburn and it will be good to have him for the cup games," said Sagna.

"I think he was outstanding at the weekend, he scored a great goal, it came naturally and I think he was very happy about it.

"Every time he plays he is good and he can play on the right, on the left and up front as well.

"He has shown he can score now and he is an important player who can do well in this team."

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