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

Arshavin cannot play for the Gunners in the Champions League having already represented Zenit St Petersburg in this year's competition and was also registered too late to play in the last round of the Cup.

But, having opened his Arsenal account with two goals, including a fine solo effort, in the 4-0 romp over Blackburn on Saturday, he is eager to play as often as possible.

The Russian sustained a nasty gash to his right foot against Rovers and had to have eight stitches at half-time but Wenger insists that is unlikely to dampen his January signing's enthusiasm.

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

"We will make a decision today. He is desperate to be involved. He just wants to play.

"He couldn't train but we'll assess him as the day goes on."

Arshavin said: "I can't even step on my foot right now. It's like a knife cut - not very deep but quite painful.

"Blackburn is the toughest tackling team I have ever played against."

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."

Theo Walcott, who turned 20 yesterday, may also feature against Hull after making an impressive return to the starting XI against Blackburn following a prolonged stint on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder.