Lukasz Fabianski today took a swipe at Wojciech Szczesny by insisting his shoulder injury is the only reason he is not first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal.
The 26-year-old missed the second half of last season after establishing himself as the No1 at Emirates Stadium due to a shoulder injury ironically sustained while training with Szczesny.
Szczesny has since made the position his own for club and country, leaving a now fit-again Fabianski to cut a frustrated figure on the substitutes' bench amid reports he is considering quitting the club.
"If it wasn't for my injury, he wouldn't be here today where he is," said Fabianski. "I'd still be the number one - I didn't lose my place because I played badly but because of the shoulder mishap. The same applies to the Poland national team. I didn't let down the coach, I did well in the games I played."
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger claims Nicklas Bendtner could play for Arsenal again once his season-long loan ends at Sunderland. The Black Cats visit Emirates Stadium on Sunday but will be unable to field the Danish striker due to Premier League rules stating a loanee cannot face their parent club.
"In football you never say never," said the Gunners boss. "You want to do what is right for the player but firstly for Arsenal. At the moment he is out on loan, I wanted him to go somewhere and play. We are happy and he is, too, because he is doing well. That is the most important thing."
