Seaman struggling for City clash

David Seaman is facing a battle to prove his fitness for Arsenal’s weekend trip to Manchester City after his side suffered further Highbury frustration in their Champions League campaign.

Seaman was forced out of last night’s 1-1 draw at home to Ajax at half-time with a hip injury, meaning that reserve goalkeeper Stuart Taylor was drafted into action.

Taylor could now keep his place against City if Seaman fails to recover in time for a return to Manchester just a week after their FA Cup success against United.

Assistant boss Pat Rice, who insisted that Martin Keown would recover from a back problem, revealed: “David felt a hip injury about 10 or 15 minutes before half-time.

“Now we’ll have to wait and see how he reacts before we decide whether he can face Manchester City at the weekend.”

With new signing Guillaume Warmuz ineligible when Arsenal aim to stop their European campaign faltering further next week in Amsterdam, the Gunners will be hoping there is no long-term injury problem for Seaman.

After all, their failure to make the most of their early lead against Ajax means that Valencia, who defeated Roma 1-0 last night, are now level with both Arsenal and the Dutch side on five points.

Sylvain Wiltord put Arsenal ahead after just five minutes, but just 12 minutes later Ashley Cole failed to cut out a long through-ball and Nigel de Jong was left in space to beat Seaman.