Wenger wades into RVP diving storm
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger was last night forced to defend another of his strikers in a diving storm, after Robin van Persie admitted exaggerating contact from defenders.
Wenger has already fought Eduardo’s corner this season, successfully appealing to Uefa after European chiefs hit the Croatian with a two-match ban for diving.
And ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos the Frenchman was back on the defensive, insisting Van Persie’s comments did not make him a cheat.
“Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what Robin was talking about,” said Wenger.
“He wanted to show there’s a difference between what people call diving and being fouled. In fact, the television showed a great example at Manchester United when a penalty was not given when Patrice Evra fouled Van Persie 100 per cent. He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled.”
Wenger’s attacking concerns are not restricted to Van Persie, after Nicklas Bendtner was involved in a car crash on Sunday morning. The Dane was not seriously hurt when his Aston Martin left the road in north London, but will miss this evening’s fixture. Wenger said: “Fortunately he did no long-term damage but he was bruised and we thought it was best for him not to train.”
Eduardo returns to the squad after missing Saturday’s win at Fulham, but winger Theo Walcott remains sidelined and Wenger revealed midfielder Denilson’s back injury is worse than first thought. The Brazilian, hurt against Manchester City earlier this month, has a minor fracture and is expected to be out for two months. But Wenger said: “Aaron Ramsey is not far away from the first team and Jack Wilshere can play, so we have plenty of opportunities for young players to come in.”