Tomas Rosicky return: “We will be stronger this season”

Arsenal can be stronger this season despite the summer’s high-profile departures, according to Tomas Rosicky.

Speaking after making his long-awaited Emirates Stadium comeback over the weekend, the Czech midfielder disagreed with critics who suggested that Arsenal had been weakened by the departures of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.

The African duo may have moved north to Manchester City last month but Rosicky believes Arsenal are in better shape than they were this time last year.

Then, himself and Eduardo were both laid low with long-term injuries while Andrey Arshavin was still plying his trade for Zenit St Petersburg. For Rosicky, that’s why the Gunners should fear no-one in 2009/10.

“We have plenty of options and it will be interesting,” the 28-year-old said. “That is why I think we can be stronger than last season because the boss will have more options.

“Of course we lost two very good players in Kolo and Adebayor, there is no doubt about that. But you can see, even though Adebayor left, we have so many possibilities or options up front and we’re scoring goals and creating chances.

“I don’t think the best players left. There is still Cesc Fabregas, there is still Andrey Arshavin – the best players are still in the squad.

“I think [Arshavin] made an immediate impact in the six months where he played. Everybody can see he is a very intelligent, dangerous player for every opponent.

“I don’t see why we should be scared of somebody. I don’t see this point, I see the offensive potential we have and I think we have to focus on us. Of course we know we have to do better – we are not blind to that – but we can see it’s positive.”

Another unexpected option for Arsène Wenger could be 17-year-old Jack Wilshere, who illuminated the Emirates Cup with two goals and two Man of the Match awards at the weekend.

Of his fellow midfielder, Tomas said: “The boy is very gifted, everybody can see that,

“He is very difficult to mark because he is small in stature, has very quick feet and is intelligent.

“He is a very exciting prospect for the whole of English football I think.”