"It would of course be very annoying to lose him but what is important is that the guy who comes in for him has the right attitude and then we have a good chance to win the game."
With several players returning from injury - Ray Parlour, Lauren, and Seaman amongst them - and Sol Campbell available after suspension, he will have virtually a full squad to choose from - minus our midfield maestro of course.
Wenger will be reluctant to start Parlour though, as he feels that "The Romford Pele" isn't quite ready to be thrown back into the fray:
"I've got Ray in the squad but I didn't intend to play him at the start as I felt he needed one more game, but he's a tough boy and I may have to do it. I've not made my mind up completely yet. I will see what happens with Patrick and then find a new balance if I have to."