Andrey Arshavin's protracted switch from Zenit St Petersburg to Arsenal meant that the Red and White Army could not register the Russian playmaker in time to compete in the fourth round replay against Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

The 27-year-old is still in pre-season mode. He was left on the bench for the north London derby at White Hart Lane last weekend, and will continue to work up his match fitness in training.

Always with one eye looking into the future with 20/20 clarity, Arsene Wenger believes an extra date away from first team duty will only benefit the second striker in the long run.

"It is a good thing for him, yes," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "I was a little bit handcuffed against Tottenham because we were down to ten men and if we had sustained an injury then you couldnt bring on a player who lacks fitness when you are down to ten men," he explained.
 
"In between, he will now have two weeks before the next game and hopefully will be fully fit for Sunderland [on Saturday 21st February]."

'Le Prof' was in a deferential mode as he commended defender William Gallas' professionalism following his decision to relieve the French international of his duties as captain in November.

Gallas has remained rigid at the back, and struck the game's only goal against Portsmouth in December, as well as proving to be a key component in the West Ham and Tottenham stalemates.

"He is playing well," Wenger noted.

"I have said many times that after a major incident he has responded like a real professional and has dealt well with the situation and that is what we want."