There is life after Vieira

The French Federation have refused to give the 20-year-old international clearance and, though Wenger described the hitch as an inconvenience rather than a major setback, Flamini will not be available until FIFA sort out a compensation package.

"It is a pity because I was hoping to play him at Cardiff," said Wenger.

Vieira's troublesome thigh injury would have kept him out of the match anyway. Real Madrid's unwanted attentions may lead to his permanent absence and it will be interesting to see how Wenger plans to plug the gap and how much Vieira's presence is missed. Sunday may not be the ideal gauge, however.

Even a Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Manchester United is noticeably short of goodwill.

Witness the events of last year when Sol Campbell was charged after a retaliatory kick at Eric Djemba-Djemba - just one nasty flash point. It is traditionally physical and niggly but this year there will be a difference.

United have an important diversion next Wednesday - a tricky Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Bucharest. The have played one first-team match in the Vodafone Cup at Old Trafford, with last night's freak storm forcing the second to be abandoned.

Any chance of Sir Alex Ferguson putting out more first-team players in Cardiff was also reduced by Ruud van Nistelrooy's hernia problem, which will rule him out for a month.

Ferguson won't risk Louis Saha or Alan Smith in his place - so, step forward Diego Forlan. Nothing to worry Arsenal there.

But as an exercise, the benefits for Arsenal will slightly outnumber those for United. At least Arsenal will have a semblance of a first team and one player in particular has given Wenger reason to feel self-satisfied lately.

Jose Antonio Reyes could cost Arsenal as much as £16.5million following his move from Seville in January. He is beginning to look good value even at that price.

"He has adapted well and very quickly," said Wenger of the player whose pace, mobility and intelligent positional play have been a feature of Arsenal's pre-season. "I thought he would need time and that is why I bought him in January, to give him those extra months.

"In effect, I bought him for this season but he played his part last season as well. I have been very impressed with him."

Jens Lehmann will start the game with Manuel Almunia waiting in the wings - former England Under-21 international Stuart Taylor will also be on sidelines.

"It is good for the club that we have three goalkeepers competing like that," said Wenger, who will be without Campbell, Fredrik Ljungberg and possibly Thierry Henry for the game. Campbell is out for another three weeks while he waits for an Achilles problem to heal.

Ljungberg is left out as a precaution and Wenger said: "I am certain he will be fit for the first league game."

There is also a chance that Henry may figure. He has made a rapid recovery from his Achilles problem and Wenger said: "He may be able to play for one half."