He also admits he has made a number of risks in terms of team selection with a number of players suffering knocks.

"It is a pivotal game. Spurs at home is always a very big game and we have to make ground up in the league - we need the points," said Wenger.

"Vito Mannone has done very well but Wojciech Szczesny is our number one, he is back and it is a natural move. I have had to take risks in my team, a few have knocks. Bacary Sagna was a big doubt but I hope he goes well."