Lehmann to 'get best' from Almunia

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident returning goalkeeper Jens Lehmann can help to get the best out of Manuel Almunia, insisting there is complete respect between two former arch-rivals.

Veteran German Lehmann, 41, has made a sensational return to his old club to aid the Gunners' injury crisis which has seen keepers Lukasz Fabianski, Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone all sidelined. The short-term deal, which is expected to be completed in time for Lehmann to take his place on the bench at West Brom on Saturday, will see the free agent sign on until the end of the season.

Wenger said: "There has been much more said about that [relationship] than what happened. There is a lot of respect between the two goalkeepers."

"I think Jens Lehmann will get the best out of Almunia, because he will show him every day he is ready to fight for his place - as he has always been. Almunia will be motivated by that."

Wenger had no hesitation in moving for Lehmann, who had been working in the media since his retirement and was set to begin his coaching badges with a stint at Arsenal's Hertfordshire base before the SOS call came.

"We have no cover with any experience at all in the Premier League, that's why I want to get Jens back to cover Almunia and to give us some experience," Wenger said.

"I am happy about it because when Jens is in training he is as motivated as ever.

"You know him, I know him and he will help the team if he has to play, if I choose to play him, or on a daily basis his huge motivational level and experience will be vitally important."