Wenger: Arsh to unlock defences

Arsene Wenger believes Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin can help Arsenal unlock their attacking power once again.

Wenger has earmarked Arshavin to haul the Gunners back into the Barclays Premier League top four.

The 27-year-old is in line to make his Gunners debut against Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow, giving fans the first glimpse of his undoubted talent following a protracted £15million transfer from Zenit St Petersburg.

Arsenal rediscovered their magic touch in front of goal during Monday night's 4-0 thrashing of Coca-Cola Championship side Cardiff, when Eduardo marked his return from a year out with a broken leg to grab a brace before then suffering a hamstring problem which will keep the Croatia striker out for a couple of weeks.

However, the last two Premier League games - against West Ham and Tottenham - have ended goalless.

Wenger knows his side are sure to face another determined defence tomorrow, but believes in Arshavin he has a player capable of providing a key link between midfield and attack.

"He can integrate well our combination game, he can move very well, he is very mobile so that is something we work on as well," said Wenger.

"He is a clever passer of the ball and that is something you need in every big team to open teams up."

Wenger, though, warned against placing too much expectation on the Russian as an instant fix.

"You have to give everybody who comes in time to adapt, to adjust," said the Arsenal boss.

"I know him quite well on his vision, his passing ability, his quick brain. That is something which is very important in the modern game."

Wenger added: "He has personality, he has a strong character.

"The handicap he has at the moment is that he is not completely fit physically, but all the rest should be quite quick.

"Anyway, we will take the needed time.

"We will not put him under pressure, if he needs a bit longer he takes a bit longer.

"At the moment we have many players in that area injured like [Cesc] Fabregas, like [Tomas] Rosicky, like [Theo] Walcott, so there is a position to take as a creative midfielder."

Wenger, meanwhile, admitted it was a blow to lose Eduardo again so soon after his return.

"It is a shame because he got injured two minutes before I took him off," said the Arsenal boss.

"But it is not a bad injury, he will miss two weeks.

"I believe overall the situation is very positive because he managed to convince everybody that he will be back as a player for Arsenal Football Club, which is the most important thing.

"In the short term, we are a little disappointed but he will be back."

Arsenal head into tomorrow's game on an unbeaten run of 12 in all competitions.

However, the Gunners remain outside the top four, some five points behind Chelsea.

With the Blues at third-placed Aston Villa tomorrow lunchtime, Arsenal have a chance to close the gap.

However, Wenger maintained: "We know somebody will drop points, but let's focus that we get the points.

"We can only focus now on being as perfect as possible until the end of the season, and see where we stand after. If the others are perfect as well, then well done to them."

Wenger insisted: "The team is in a good shape mentally and physically, the hunger and the desire are there. The ingredients are looking good.

"I believe we will be there [top four], but it is down to our run and our efficiency.

"We are on a good run, are in good shape and the close future looks very good, if we can win the games.

"With the players coming back, they can have a positive effect on the squad and we can finish the season in a very strong way."