Arsene Wenger insists he was not deploying mind games by naming Alexandre Lacazette in his Arsenal side to face Manchester United despite having ruled out the striker due to a groin injury. Mourinho made a pointed jibe towards Wenger when asked about his team news ahead of Sunday's derby against early Premier League pace-setters Manchester City. Asked how winning the group would affect his team selection, Wenger said: "Not too much, because I have many players available who need competition. "Next week we go into a week with three games and so some players need competition, some experienced players. Wenger remains hopeful the Germany international could yet return to the side at Southampton on Sunday after suffering a thigh injury at the weekend.

Source: Evening echo December 06, 2017 14:15 UTC