CARDIFF, May 16: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger faces a defensive dilemma in his buildup to Saturday’s FA Cup final against Southampton at the Millennium Stadium here.

Martin Keown is the latest worry and will have a fitness test on his thigh injury just hours before the kick-off.

Wenger is desperate for the 37-year-old to play after losing central defenders Sol Campbell, through suspension, and Pascal Cygan, with a calf strain.

Arsenal are also without injured midfield boss Patrick Vieira.

Keown pulled out of last Sunday’s league game at Sunderland after feeling a tightness in his thigh.

If Keown misses out, Wenger is likely to field Oleg Luzhny and Igors Stepanovs in the middle of his defence. However, Cameroon defender Lauren and midfielder Ray Parlour are expected to be fit.

Wenger must also decide whether to partner Thierry Henry with Sylvain Wiltord or Dennis Bergkamp up front.

Wiltord has been a regular in Wenger’s cup teams this season but missed last Sunday’s game at Sunderland with a stomach virus.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...
A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...