Vermaelen, Diaby to miss Braga clash

Sep 14, 2010 |

London, Sept. 14: Arsenal will be without defender Thomas Vermaelen (achilles) and midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) for their Champions League Group H opener at home to Portuguese club Braga on Wednesday.

But winger Samir Nasri has recovered from knee surgery, while full-backs Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna are expected to return after being rested for the English Premier League win over Bolton.

Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie (both ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) will also remain out of contention for the match.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has challenged English Premier League teams to prove last season's early European exits were “an accident”.

Arsenal are looking to go further than their last campaign when they were knocked out by Barcelona in the quarterfinals.

Wenger believes his side must overcome mental hurdles if they are to win the trophy.

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