Gilberto in for Carling Cup Match

Brazil Captain Gilberto Silva will be in Arsene Wenger's starting line up for Wednesday's game against Sheffield United. The media had claimed that Arsenal's defensive midfielder would not be playing following a bust-up with the Arsenal manager were denied by Wenger.

"I deny that categorically, and I find this assessment disrespectful to a great professional like Gilberto," said Wenger. "He is 100 per cent professional and is in the squad for tomorrow. He will play.

"I believe that as a manager and as a player you always have one thing in your mind and that is what is good for the club and the team. I cannot fault Gilberto on that since he arrived here.

"Recently he has played less, but his mentality has been superb. It is important to win every single competition and in this one I use younger players because traditionally it has always been like that. It has helped us a lot to develop the players."

Arsenal's vice-captain, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates, will be pleased to get some playing time, but will be disappointed that he can only play in the Carling Cup - a cup usually reserved for squad players and youngsters.

Other players who may feature tomorrow at Bramall Lane include Justin Hoyte, Alex Song, Theo Walcott, and Eduardo da Silva. Personally I would rather see Walcott rested for a start against Manchester United on Saturday, but I'm not the manager, and we'll see how Wenger handles the situation. For now, the Arsenal manager has only provisionally mentioned a few players who may feature.

"You could see Justin Hoyte and Song," he said. "Walcott maybe and Eduardo will play. We will need a strong squad up there."

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