Baptista set for Arsenal start

Julio Baptista, pictured 2 will emerge from the ranks of Arsenal undertstudies by starting in Saturday's Premier League match away to Sheffield United after Gunners manager Arsene Wenger revealed a lengthy injury list.

Julio Baptista will emerge from the ranks of Arsenal undertstudies by starting in Saturday's Premier League match away to Sheffield United after Gunners manager Arsene Wenger revealed a lengthy injury list.

Alexander Hleb and Theo Walcott have joined Boxing Day casualties Emmanuel Adebayor and Johan Djourou on the sidelines along with the already-injured Thierry Henry, William Gallas, Emmanuel Eboue, Freddie Ljungberg and Abou Diaby.

Meanwhile Cesc Fabregas, Jeremie Aliadiere and Alexandre Song have all been hit by a virus, although the trio have remained in a squad that also includes the fit-again Lauren and Baptista's fellow Brazilian Denilson.

Baptista, 25, has also been laid low by the same bug but he has received a boost after being picked by Wenger for only third time since his pre-season loan move from Real Madrid.

"He will start in midfield or up front, I haven't decided yet," Wenger said Friday. "He doesn't get many chances because there is a lot of competition going on with (Tomas) Rosicky, Hleb and Fabregas all offensive players like Henry, Adebayor and (Robin) van Persie.

"He is ready to play but the problem he has is for me to give him the number of opportunities he deserves. He has a great attitude and is very strong mentally.

"I like him as a player and I agree he hasn't had enough opportunities to show how good he is, but he will have one tomorrow (Saturday)."

Baptista, who spent six weeks on the sidelines in October after suffering an injury in a friendly against Charlton reserves, is reported to have voiced concerns that a lack of first-team football is threatening his hopes of a permanent move.

Wenger indicated he was on his way to making up his mind but, coyly, refused to say whether he was keener on Baptista leaving or staying with north London giants Arsenal.

"I am leaning more one way than the other," the Frenchman said. "But I will not say which way."

Nevertheless, Wenger did praise Baptista's versatility. "His best position is in the centre of the field - and certainly close to the goal.

"But he is a guy who can adapt. He can play on the left, like he did when he came on against Watford, where he did very well.

"He is a fox in the box, good in the air and a good player. But he needs a few games to show how good he is.

"It is a vicious circle when you are a football player, and so when you get your chance you must be ready. In training I have not seen one minute of him not being completely dedicated. He has a positive attitude and I admire his mental strengths."

Arsenal, third in the table, have not lost in seven games since skipper Henry (sciatic nerve) was sidelined and Wenger said he has been impressed by the way Baptista's compatriot Gilberto had responded to captaining the team.

"He is doing a great job as captain with all the young players, who respect him a lot. He has a very helpful approach."