Wenger backing for Gibbs and Clichy

Manager Arsène Wenger has backed left-back Kieran Gibbs to eventually play for the England national team, but concedes that South Africa may be too soon for him.

However, with Wayne Bridge announcing his withdrawal from the squad, there is a chance that Gibbs, should he recover from injury in time, could be called up by Fabio Capello.

Wenger said: "I don't think he is definitely out of the World Cup. There is a little chance, if all goes well now.

"He will take six weeks on the pitch to build up his fitness. I always think he will play for the national team one day – I'm convinced of that."

Wenger also defended criticism levelled at Gaël Clichy, saying that the Frenchman's performances was improving and called for fans to be patient.

He added: "Against Liverpool and in our last game against Sunderland he had strong performances.

"He was out for a long time and like every player at the start he was not completely back 100 per cent but I felt in the last two games he was very convincing."

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