Wenger backs Arsenal to cope without injured stars

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can cope without Cesc Fabregas, seen here in 2010, and Theo Walcott when the injury-hit Gunners face Birmingham in the League Cup final.

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can cope without Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott when the injury-hit Gunners face Birmingham in the League Cup final on Sunday.
Wenger's side go into the first major showpiece of the season at Wembley rocked by a double injury blow that leaves them without Spain midfielder Fabregas and England winger Walcott.
Scans on the hamstring strain Fabregas suffered against Stoke in mid-week showed that the problem is not too serious, but Wenger is not prepared to risk his captain aggravating the problem.
Walcott, stretchered off with an ankle injury in the Stoke game, will be sidelined for up to three weeks.
Both stars have played key roles in Arsenal's impressive run of one defeat in their last 17 matches in all competitions, but Wenger is convinced his team will be able to adapt in their absence.
"Fabregas won't play because he is injured and you cannot play football when you are injured," Wenger told reporters on Friday.
"He is sad and disappointed of course but it could have been worse. The injury is a very small one. He will be out for one or two games maybe.
"Walcott will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem. I would say today it is very unlikely he will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game.
"Ideally you want everyone fit but we can deal with the fact that Cesc will not be there, the fact Walcott will not be there and of course (centre-back Thomas) Vermaelen will not be there.
"If you look at the number of quality players we have available, we can deal with that.
"We have so many targets in front of us. What I believe is important now is that the team focuses on the game we play on Sunday.
"We have shown we can cope with injuries over the last three months. We have the belief, confidence and determination to get over the last hurdle in the League Cup."
There was one piece of good news for Wenger on the injury front as in-form Dutch forwrd Robin van Persie, who missed the Stoke match with a hamstring strain, will return to captain the team.
Regardless of who features in Wenger's team, the Arsenal boss knows his side are expected to end their six-year wait to win a major trophy.
The Gunners, who last lifted silverware in 2005 after a penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final, are starting to reap the rewards of Wenger's faith in his young players.
The likes of van Persie, Jack Wilshere, Gael Clichy, Johan Djourou and Alex Song have grown up together after joining the club as youngsters and Wenger believes that special bond is a big asset.
"It is a young but hungry team. They are focused and respectful. There is a common understanding," Wenger said.
"The two main characteristics are they have a great bond and focus. It is a pleasure to work with them.
"They have all been educated together and they have the advantage of growing up together."
In the past Wenger has used the League Cup as a training ground for his young players, but success in a competition he has often derided could prove the catalyst for the team to finally fulfil their potential.
The Gunners hold a 2-1 lead against Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by just one point and are still in the FA Cup.
Wenger admits the challenge for more significant prizes would be enhanced by beating Birmingham.
"It is not important what happened in the last five years -- it is what happens now," Wenger said.
"There is a good feeling in the camp of course because we are on a very strong run and a win can help us have more confidence for the other trophies we go for.
"You gain belief with results. When you are young, you don't know how good you are. You make mistakes and improve."

Diego brace fires up Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg's Brazilian midfielder Diego shoots during the German first division bundesliga football match Wolfsburg vs Hannover in the northern German city of Wolfsburg 2010. Diego helped Wolfsburg push themselves further from the Bundesliga's drop zone after a valuable 2-1 win over struggling Moenchengladbach on Friday.

A brace from Brazilian midfielder Diego helped Wolfsburg push themselves further from the Bundesliga's drop zone after a valuable 2-1 win over struggling Moenchengladbach on Friday.
Playmaker Diego marked his return to the German top flight, after a mediocre season with Juventus in Italy, with two goals late in the first half at the Volkswagen-Arena to end Wolfsburg's run of four consecutive defeats.
Diego, who was suspended for a match earlier this month for disobeying teams orders and taking a penalty, which he missed, once again prompted the ire of the home fans when he missed a penalty in the 24th minute.
The Brazlian, however, made amends by opening the scoring in the 37th minute and then gave the hosts a comfortable interval with his second from a superb free-kick in first half injury time.
Moenchengladbach pulled a consolation goal back through defender Filip Daems in the 74th minute, however their 15th defeat in 24 games left them rooted firmly at the bottom of the table.
Wolfsburg's sixth win of the season, and first at home since October, moved them up to 13th, 29 points behind runaway league leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Bruce signs new Sunderland deal

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, seen here in 2010, signed a new contract on Friday committing him to the Premier League side until 2014.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce signed a new contract on Friday committing him to the Premier League side until 2014.
Bruce, 50, who joined the Black Cats in 2009, has guided the club into seventh with a top ten finish within reach for the first time in a decade.
Bruce said: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. It's a magnificent club from top to bottom with wonderful support and everything is in place here for a manager.
"We have the makings of a fantastic young team.
"It's been a great challenge so far and one that my backroom team and I have relished, so we are looking forward to continuing with that over the next few years."
Chairman Niall Quinn, who along with owner Ellis Short has provided Bruce with the financial backing to rebuild the squad, was delighted to have reached an agreement.
He said: "It was hugely important to bring stability to this football club and I firmly believe that in Steve we have the man to do just that.
"In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players, many of whom are young and desperate to achieve and improve.
"He embodies the ethos of team-work and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff.
"As someone born and bred in the north east he fully understands the unique passion for football in this region.
"He has already raised the aspirations of not only the players, but also the supporters, and instilled a belief in everyone that we can go on to achieve the sustained success that we all crave for this club."