The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Arteta draws on Wenger’s support ahead of FA Cup final
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has not spoken to Arsene Wenger ahead of today’s FA Cup final – but his former manager may have played an indirect role in preparing the Spaniard for his first shot at silverware.
With seven FA Cup wins to his name, Wenger is the most successful manager in the history of the world’s oldest cup competition.
Arteta was club captain for two of those wins and has a chance to collect his first trophy as a manager when the Gunners face old foes Chelsea at Wembley.
The 38-year-old only took charge at the Emirates Stadium in December for his first taste of a top job, having previously worked as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Arteta revealed the Frenchman has been on hand to offer guidance since his appointment.
“I have been in touch in the last few months a few times with him but not before the final,” he said.
“It is private conversations but it is great to have him on board, he gives you great advice and just talking to him – he has got such a knowledge and he is such an intelligent person – that just knowing he is there and he is going to be supporting us and supporting me, I feel calmer.”
Rob Holding is likely to start the final after Shkodran Mustafi was ruled out following hamstring surgery.
Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Willian has shaken off an ankle complaint to be fit for the showpiece contest.
France midfielder N’Golo Kante is also fit after hamstring trouble to boost boss Frank Lampard’s resources.
Kante has missed six matches after picking up his latest hamstring injury in the 3-0 win over Watford on July 4, but his return will bolster the Blues’ midfield ranks.
The luckless Ruben LoftusCheek will miss out, however, having picked up an unspecified minor injury in training on Thursday.
Lampard’s main selection conundrum could revolve around whether to keep faith with veteran Willy Caballero in goal, or recall the out-of-sorts Kepa Arrizabalaga.