Arsenal Presser: Wenger talks Walcott, Reading and more

   Arsene Wenger faced media today ahead of their FA Cup semifinal tie against Reading on Saturday. Here's a brief of what he said.

Team News

Wenger says he has a big squad available for the Reading clash. Along with almost full squad, Jack Wilshere is also available. The only absentees are Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (2 weeks) and Abou Diaby.

Team Selection

The Frenchman has plethora of options to choose from which gives him a pleasing headache. “We have a massive squad of 24 players at the moment. All the players have top, top quality which makes it very difficult for me to pick my team. They all deserve to play.”

He confirmed that Szczesny will start at Wembley.

FA Semifinal and Reading

Even though the opponent is Championship side Reading, Wenger is not at all complacent about the prospect of facing them. “It’s my tenth semifinal, they are always tricky but we’ve learnt from last year and Wigan game.”

“They have many players who have Premier League experience, good offensive potential and are very efficient. We won’t underestimate Championship opposition. It wouldn’t be intelligent to turn up thinking that we have won.”

Steve Clarke

Arsene was also quizzed about the Royals manager. He gave his opinion “He has good experience so he knows exactly what will happen. I’m sure he will prepare Reading well.”

Juergen Klopp

The German announced it yesterday that he will leave BVB at the end of this season. He has been linked with Arsenal in the past and was tipped to succeed Wenger at the Emirates. So it was natural that Wenger was to be questioned about it. But he dismissed and said that he finds the circus silly “I am not an agency on the case.”

TV Clash

FA Cup semifinal clashes with blockbuster Chelsea vs Manchester United match. It has been a cause of concern as it poses danger of Wembley tie being undermined. “I am surprised the TV companies did not resolve it. It’s something that should be looked at.”

That’s it.