Ljungberg left on bench for Gunners

Arsene Wenger made the surprising decision to leave Fredrik Ljungberg out of his starting line-up for Arsenal’s Champions League group decider at home to Rosenborg.

Ljungberg had been Arsenal’s key performer in their 3-0 weekend win against Birmingham, but was left on the bench as out-of-form Jose Reyes was instead preferred.

Wenger otherwise kept faith with stand-in keeper Manuel Almunia despite his uncertain displays against Manchester United in the Carling Cup and Birmingham in the Barclays Premiership.

And with Patrick Vieira and Lauren both suspended after being sent off at PSV Eindhoven a fortnight ago, 20-year-olds Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte came into a relatively inexperienced side.

Dennis Bergkamp at least returned in attack following an Achilles injury, but Gilberto Silva, Edu and Pascal Cygan were still out injured.

Arsenal: Almunia, Hoyte, Campbell, Toure, Cole, Pires, Fabregas, Flamini, Reyes, Bergkamp, Henry.

Subs: Lehmann, Ljungberg, Van Persie, Senderos, Clichy, Larsson, Owusu-Abeyie.

Rosenborg: Espen Johnsen, Winsnes, Hansen, Hoftun, Stensaas, Strand, Frode Johnsen, Solli, Braaten, Helstad, Brattbakk.

Subs: Ronningen, Olsen, Russell, Skjelbred, Storflor, George, Tettey.

Referee: Stefano Farina (Italy)