Arsenal vs. West Ham: Key Arsene Wenger Comments from Pre-Match Presser

Arsene Wenger confirmed he will rest a number of key players during Saturday's Premier League clash against West Ham United, with an eye on Arsenal's upcoming Champions League encounter against AS Monaco.

As reported by the Daily Mirror's Joe Mewis and Adrian Kajumba, the manager emphasised during Friday's press conference he always rotates his squad and is focused on the task at hand but some players will be rested, regardless:

"

I agree it is a very important game in the Champions League against Monaco but tomorrow is of the same importance and that is why we just have to focus on tomorrow. What will affect my selection is the players who have played a number of games recently.

I always rotate game by game but never more than two or three players. I will rest one or two without interrupting the balance of the team.

"

The Gunners enter Saturday's contest carrying a four-match win streak in the Premier League, while the Hammers are winless since late January. Despite the clear differences in form, Wenger is wary of the threat West Ham pose. He praised Alex Song in particular, acknowledging the success the former Gunner has had since moving to west London.

Rumours of new contracts for Hector Bellerin and Mikel Arteta have been floating for the past few days, and as shared by the London Evening Standard's James Olley, the full-back has indeed been offered a new deal:

Talks with Arteta are ongoing, but via Mewis and Kajumba, there is no news to report on that front, although the manager made it clear he wants the Spaniard to stay:

"

He is back in full training today and I think he will be back in three weeks. There is no movement on his contract, not yet no.

I would like him to stay on. He has huge experience and is very important to the squad.

"

In injury news, the most important updates came on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere, who are both set to miss England's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania, as well as the match against Italy:

Returning to the upcoming match against West Ham, Wenger praised Alexis Sanchez, who continues to work hard in training despite a recent downturn in his on-field production. The Chilean has scored just once since bagging a brace against Stoke City early in January, but per the club's official Twitter feed, he remains as motivated as ever:

Finally, the manager emphasised the atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive ahead of an important part of the schedule:

"

The mood has been good but focused as well. We are already looking forward to the West Ham game.

[...]I like this time of the season because very game is important and you feel it is a period where you need composure, focus and mental strength and it's interesting to watch your players how they respond to that.

"

The Gunners currently sit in third place in the Premier League standings thanks to an excellent stretch of results, and with the race for a top-four finish as close as ever, Saturday's clash with London rivals West Ham presents another must-win fixture.

Momentum is on Arsenal's side, but it will be difficult for some of the players not to get caught looking ahead at the match against Monaco. The Ligue 1 side embarrassed the Gunners at the Emirates during the first leg, winning 3-1, and a massive performance will be needed in France.

The Hammers are up first, however, and staying focused throughout the match will be the key to beating Sam Allardyce's disciplined and rugged squad.

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