Wenger backs young Gunners to pass Real test

Arsene Wenger has every confidence his makeshift Arsenal side can rise to the challenge of facing Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.

With so many of his key men missing, particularly in defence, Wenger will once again ask the young Gunners to test themselves at the highest level against the likes of Raul, Zinedine Zidane, Brazilian trio Cicinho, Robinho and Ronaldo as well as England captain David Beckham.

And the Arsenal manager believes there is every reason to be positive going into the first leg of their last 16 Champions League clash.

“Ideally you would like everyone to be available, but on the other hand I don’t look for excuses before the game starts. We are strong enough to deal with that,” Wenger said.

“I feel personally that Mathieu Flamini had an outstanding game (against Liverpool on Tuesday).

“Defensively he was efficient and going forward he gave some great balls. Nearly all the chances for Thierry Henry came from Flamini.”

It will be a white-hot atmosphere in the Bernabeu, but Wenger feels that will not adversely affect his side.

“I don’t think so, because I believe in the mental strength and inner character of these young players – they have shown that before,” said the Frenchman.

“A big part of the game will be there, not to be overawed by the night and be faithful to what we do and have a little bit of the aggressive, determined attitude that helps you produce good performances.”

Given that the 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday night further dented Arsenal’s hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Barclays Premiership, a positive result from Spain has taken on more significance in a competition which is now the Gunners only chance of securing some silverware.

“It is a massively important game, but I don’t think it is my job to convince anybody that this game is important. Everybody is aware of what the game means,” said Wenger.

With Arsenal having surrendered their claim on the FA Cup with a loss at Bolton in the previous round, at least Wenger will have plenty of time to focus his players on the job in hand next week.

“It is a game we prepare well for,” the Gunners boss said.

“We have no cup game beforehand. That means I am convinced that everyone can do their best. I feel their best will be good enough.”

Madrid may also not be having the best of seasons, but have improved in recent weeks to climb their domestic table, albeit still well adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Real almost overturned a 6-1 deficit in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Zaragoza, winning 4-0 at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

Wenger feels with the quality the Spaniards have “you never know when is the best time to play them”.

The Arsenal boss added: “Obviously their confidence is high and therefore they are more dangerous, but as well I feel we are on the way up despite our recent results.

“It is a good opportunity to show to the world we are a great side.”

Wenger observed: “If you look at it objectively, Barcelona have had a difficult patch and Real Madrid are coming back into the race.

“The new blood injected with Cicinho and Robinho has given them a fresh dynamic. They injected that little bit of penetrative pace that they lacked because they were a little bit too old. These two players gave them that.”