Arsenal place Champions League hopes on goalkeeper who conceded five against Reading
Posted Monday, October 20, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk
ROOKIE: Emiliano Martinez's last game for Arsenal came in the 7-5 League Cup win over Reading
Arsenal are set to place their Champions League hopes in the hands of a rookie goalkeeper this week.
Emiliano Martinez is set to make his Champions League debut at Anderlecht on Wednesday, with first choice Wojciech Szczesny suspended, and understudy David Ospina injured.
It will be the 22-year-old Argentine's first game in two years and only his third in total.
The last time he played he conceded five goals in an incredible 7-5 League Cup win at Reading in October 2012.
Martinez has yet to make a Premier League appearance and spent last season on loan at Championship Sheffield Wednesday.
Calum Chambers will be available again after missing Saturday's 2-2 draw against Hull due to suspension.
But with right-back Mathieu Debuchy out and centre-half Laurent Koscielny struggling with injury Arsenal's defensive options remain short.
Midfielders Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey will be fit to start and Jack Wilshere has received the all-clear after limping off with a knee injury on Saturday.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "He got a kick on his knee. It's not a concern, it's not twisted or anything."
The draw against Hull left Arsenal 11 points off Premier League pacesetters Chelsea.
But Wenger has urged his players to concentrate on Anderlecht for the time being.
He said: "We have to focus on the next game, football is made of pragmatism and realism and let's focus on Anderlecht and go on and win the game."
Arsenal are currently second in group D, three points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Photos
More»[PICTURE SPECIAL] Real Madrid 3 - 0 Mallorca
Friday January 10 2025Stunning Love Island host beams with pride
Thursday January 09 2025Meet Jude Bellingham's hot Spanish WAG
Thursday January 09 2025
Your Say