Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Wenger: Lukas Podolski can work his way back to Arsenal's first team

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested match-winner Lukas Podolski will be given a chance to work his way back into his first team plans after he scored a dramatic late winner in the 2-1 Champions League win against Anderlecht.

Despite a lack of striking options for Wenger this season, Podolski has been used sparingly and only came off the bench after 84 minutes in Brussels when Arsenal were desperately trying to get back into a match that was drifting away from them.

A fine finish from the German World Cup winner earned Arsenal a victory that seemed improbable when he entered the game with his side 1-0 behind, as Wenger admitted his experienced forward is in a difficult predicament amid contining speculation that he may look to leave the Gunners in this January's transfer window.

"He is frustrated and I understand that of course, but he is important and he showed that," stated Wenger. "He will also be important in the coming months.

"It took him a while to get back to a good physical level [after the World Cup] and now he is nearly there."

Wenger insisted Podolski was not close to being released by Arsenal in August, as he suggested the former Bayern Munich forward could still be a key player for him this season.

"He was never close to leaving. He has 115 caps for Germany," protested Wenger. "This goal is not a coincidence, that shows you his quality.

"I think he is a guy you want to have the ball in the box. His shot is fantastic, his accuracy is great and he has very short back lift. He nearly scored before and I know when he comes on he can score."

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