Gunners field inexperienced defence for Cardiff clash

Arsenal were buoyed by Thierry Henry’s commitment to stay at the club, but the Gunners captain was rested for their FA Cup third-round tie against Cardiff.

Jens Lehmann, Sol Campbell and Cesc Fabregas were also missing, with youngsters Johan Djourou and Kerrea Gilbert both featuring in an inexperienced defence along with Philippe Senderos and Lauren.

But Arsene Wenger recalled Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie to what still amounted to a relatively strong line-up, with Gilberto, Jose Antonio Reyes and Robert Pires also selected.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones, whose Championship side are 24 places below Arsenal, was unable to play on-loan midfielder Jason Koumas, while Paul Parry and Willie Boland were both ruled out with leg injuries.

Striker Michael Ricketts has, meanwhile, returned to Leeds after his three-month loan spell expired, but ex-Arsenal defender Rhys Weston did start against his former club.

Arsenal: Almunia, Lauren, Senderos, Djourou, Gilbert, Pires, Silva, Flamini, Reyes, Bergkamp, Van Persie. Subs: Poom, Hleb, Owusu-Abeyie, Larsson, Lupoli.

Cardiff: Alexander, Weston, Loovens, Purse, Cox, Barker, Ardley, Cooper, Whitley, Ledley, Jerome. Subs: Margetson, Darlington, Lee, Mulryne, Koskela.

Referee: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire)