Vela gets the boot as Wenger puts team on alert

At his pre Celtic press conference Wenger said that Carlos Vela has been put into a special boot to help cure his ankle injury. Wenger is not prepared to gamble with such a young player. Meanwhile Cesc Fabregas will not play; a scan had not shown any muscle injury so it was possible he might play at Manchester United.

Wenger will not rest players for the Manchester United game, but he will play those who are most fresh and best suited for the game ahead. Rosicky was back in the squad for Saturday, but not for Celtic.

The manager refused to be drawn on previous comments he had made about the physicality of Celtic.  In the programme notes on Saturday Fabregas had complained that he had been targeted by Celtic's players and said that he had been left with quite a few bruises.

Wenger made it clear that he was well aware that Celtic had a good result in Moscow and could be a threat.  The job was only half done.  Arsenal would be on alert.  He refused to fall into a trap of saying that the champions' league was Arsenal's main priority, pointing out that they hadn't qualified yet.  Hopefully his squad will remain as careful and focused.

Transfer activity.

He denied there was any truth in Matuidi rumours and went on to say that Arsenal are not close to signing anybody.