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Wenger confident of goals for Gervinho

Gervinho is looking to get back on the scoresheet © PA Photos

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says it is only a matter of time before striker Gervinho is back amongst the goalscorers.

Gervinho settled quickly following an £11 million summer transfer from Lille, where he provided the most assists in the French top flight en route to the title last season. The 24-year-old has added to the Gunners' formidable frontline, supplementing Theo Walcott on the opposite flank while providing ammunition for the in-form Robin Van Persie.

However, Gervinho has gone six games without a goal and will be hungry to add to his tally against Fulham on Saturday, having missed golden opportunities in the recent matches with Norwich and Borussia Dortmund. Wenger, though, is not concerned.

"Gervinho is a fantastic provider and he also creates space for the other players because he always goes behind. The problem with Gervinho is he is in the opposite position of Robin van Persie - he is desperate for a goal.

"You could see the other night he had the chance to score, but you start to think. When you start to think you are already finished. For the rest his game is absolutely fantastic and he works hard for the team.''

Wenger added: "I spoke to him today [Friday] about that, but he is not obsessed with scoring goals, it will come naturally."

Like Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh, Ivory Coast international Gervinho is set to play in the African Nations Cup at the start of 2012, which could see him miss as many as 10 matches should the Elephants reach the final in Gabon on February 12.

"It is a concern," Wenger said. "When they come back, they look really exhausted. I always give them extra time off."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.