• Premier League

Wenger could drop Almunia in next Arsenal match

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 25, 2011

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not decided whether he will drop goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after his error against West Brom.

The Spaniard has returned to the Gunners' starting 11 after to injuries to the Polish duo Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, with veteran Jens Lehmann coming out of retirement to re-sign for Arsenal.

Almunia, 33, has been the subject of heavy criticism, after an error in the North London team's last match against West Brom led to Wenger's men falling 2-0 behind.

Arsenal eventually fought back to claim a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns, but speculation is mounting that Lehmann might be handed a return to the team he first left in 2008.

"What can you say? The player knows it was the wrong decision," Wenger told Arsenal's official website when asked about Almunia.

"In big games, it hurts because that was a massive game for us and it hurts him of course."

On whether he will replace his goalkeeper, Wenger said: "I do not want to make a public debate of that. I believe for every game you consider three days before the game who will play in the next match."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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