Talented Fabianski 'only needs experience

Arsène Wenger has faith in Lukasz Fabianski.

A finger injury to Manuel Almunia means Arsenal must rely on the young Polish keeper in Porto on Wednesday night.

The Champions League Knockout Round first leg tie will be just the fourth European appearance the 22-year-old has made for the Club and only his 30th start overall. Wenger admits that Fabianski still needs experience on the biggest stage but, in terms of ability, he lacks for nothing.

“I have complete faith in Fabianski,” said the manager. “He has shown that he has talent.

“In some games he has shown that he lacks a little bit of experience as well. For example against Chelsea [in the FA Cup Semi-Final]. But that day he did not make a typical goalkeeper’s mistake. It was more about deep balls played through that he was keen to come for. And we encouraged him to do that because he has always had a good reading of the game.

“So overall, for me, he is a very talented goalkeeper. Don’t forget that one of the greatest keepers ever seen in England was David Seaman. If you watched him at 22 or 23 then he would make some mistakes. It is part of the learning process. I believe Lukasz is a very intelligent goalkeeper so he will have learned from those mistakes.”