• Champions League

Almunia ruled out of Arsenal's trip to Belgrade

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 27, 2010
Despite saving a penalty, Manuel Almunia received plenty of criticism for his performance in the 3-2 defeat to West Brom © PA Photos
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Arsenal's goalkeeping problems have intensified with the news that Manuel Almunia will miss Tuesday's Champions League trip to Partizan Belgrade with an elbow injury.

Almunia, heavily criticised for his performance in Saturday's 3-2 loss at home to West Bromwich Albion, will not travel to Serbia with the rest of the squad and the Gunners will have to rely on number two Lukasz Fabianski, who himself was at fault for Tottenham's goal in last week's Carling Cup clash.

"We have Manual Almunia out," manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website. "He has a problem with his elbow. He caught it when he made the penalty save on Saturday. Also Kieran Gibbs has a test in training today."

Wenger will decide after Monday's training session whether or not to take Gibbs.

Fabianski has started four Champions League games for Arsenal in the past and will get the nod ahead of fellow reserves Vito Mannone, Wojciech Szczesny and James Shea.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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