• Capital One Cup

Giroud out but Wenger won't rest stars against Bradford

Olivier Giroud picked up a knock against West Brom © PA Photos

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Arsene Wenger has no intention of playing a weakened team when Arsenal take on Bradford City in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

However, the Gunners boss will be without a number of players through injury, including striker Olivier Giroud, who has failed to recover from a knock sustained during Arsenal's victory against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

While Theo Walcott, Laurent Koscielny and Andre Santos remain sidelined, Wenger has confirmed he will field an experienced team against the side that knocked out Premier League opponents Wigan in the last round.

"The only new player who is not available is Olivier Giroud," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "He got a kick on his back on Saturday. He has not recovered and he will be out.

"We will have an experienced squad at Bradford. We have a good recovery time ahead of the game at Reading on Monday. So we can use the players we want to use.

"Theo is still out. Along with Diaby, Santos, Koscielny. Nico Yennaris has a back problem and Ignasi Miguel has a thigh problem. [Vito Mannone] is back in the squad."

Jack Wilshere may be also rested as Wenger manages the midfielder's rehabilitation following a 17-month absence with injury.

"He is getting closer to the player we know he is and against West Brom I think he made a big step," Wenger said. "You could see it already this week in training, that he has gained a little burst again, a little zip in the first three or four yards.

"That's what you have to accept in football, you have sometimes to be patient. He can only gain it by playing but of course in the first games you cannot be at that level."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.