Wenger to make a late decision on Vieira

14 April 2012

Arsene Wenger admitted today that he faces a dilemma over whether to play Patrick Vieira in tomorrow's Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev.

Vieira, Ray Parlour and Frederik Ljungberg all travelled with the squad that left Luton this afternoon and Wenger said he will leave a decision over Vieira until a few hours before kick-off. He said: "Patrick's very important for us, he is our captain. But I have to bear in mind that he has not played for three weeks because of a thigh injury."

Vieira was suspended for Saturday's match against Chelsea but had earlier missed Arsenal's crunch match against Liverpool because of the injury.

Parlour and Ljungberg also passed tests this morning and Wenger will make a late decision on Sylvain Wiltord.

Wenger has blamed Wiltord's poor form on his failure to sign a new contract. Talks have been held but no agreement has been reached.

The France striker is out of contract next summer, but he will be able to speak to other clubs in January and could leave for free.

Wenger said: "Once Wiltord's contract is sorted out, you will see the real Wiltord back in action.

"At the moment, I am sure the negotiations play a part in his mind.

"His head has to be right. To get his head right, the earlier we make him extend his contract, the better it will be for us. We will know soon but it is very difficult to fix a date."

Asked if he would sell him, Wenger said: "I will see in January. I do not want to offload him. I want him to stay here."

Wenger is also aware that if Inter Milan beat Lokomotiv Moscow tomorrow evening the Italians will be certain of qualification from the group.

"That makes this obviously a very important match. It is one that really we cannot afford to lose."

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