Wenger plans EPL opener without Fabregas, Nasri

Updated on: 13 August,2011 08:13 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Arsenal manager Wenger not thinking about wantaway stars Fabregas and Nasri ahead of season opener against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Wenger not thinking about wantaway stars Fabregas and Nasri ahead of season opener against Newcastle

Arsene Wenger

Fabregas has been omitted from the squad for today's Premier League opener at Newcastle while the fitness of Nasri, who is suffering from an illness, is being monitored. Wenger last night appeared resigned to losing the duo, with Fabregas on the brink of joining Barcelona and Nasri close to agreeing a transfer to Manchester City.

Cesc Fabregas (left) with Samir Nasri. PIC/Getty Images

But this morning the Frenchman gave a series of non-committal answers when questioned over their departures. "I expect nobody to leave the club," he said at the club's training ground, confirming that Fabregas has not gone on strike.

When asked if therefore they will stay, Wenger responded: "That's a good conclusion from my statement. I believe the best thing for us, one day before the season starts, is not to focus on the possible transfers.
"I cannot say it will never happen, I cannot say it will happen.

"At the moment there is no news and if we have any news to give you, I promise you we will do it.
"What we want today is to focus on the players who play tomorrow and not the players who do not play.
"The players who can help the club achieve performances are more important than the players who don't."

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