Arshavin "desperate" to face Hull - Wenger

Arsene Wenger as revealed that Andrei Arshavin is so ''desperate'' to be part of Arsenal's FA Cup bid that he is clamouring to start Tuesday night's quarter-final against Hull City despite having eight stitches in his foot.

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Having already represented Zenit St Petersburg in this year's Champions League he is ineligible for the Gunners in that competition and was also registered too late to play in the last round of the FA Cup.

But, having opened his Arsenal account with two goals, including a fine solo effort, in the 4-0 romp over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, he is eager to play as often as possible.

The Russian sustained a nasty gash to his right foot against Rovers and had to have eight stitches at half-time but Wenger insists that is unlikely to dampen his January signing's enthusiasm.

''Arshavin had eight stitches in his foot but he is still in the squad,'' Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. ''We will make a decision on Tuesday. He is desperate to be involved. He just wants to play.

''He couldn't practice on Monday but we'll assess him [on Tuesday] morning.''

If he is passed fit, Gunners full-back Bacary Sagna is confident Arshavin can power Arsenal into the last four, where a Wembley meeting with Chelsea awaits.

''Arshavin cannot play in Europe but he had a good game against Blackburn and it will be good to have him for the cup games,'' said Sagna.

''I think he was outstanding at the weekend, he scored a great goal, it came naturally and I think he was very happy about it. Every time he plays he is good and he can play on the right, on the left and up front as well.

''He has shown he can score now and he is an important player who can do well in this team.''

Theo Walcott may also feature against the Tigers after making an impressive return to the starting XI against Blackburn following a prolonged stint on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder.

Walcott turned 20 on Monday and Wenger chose the occasion to offer a ringing endorsement of the pacy England winger.

Walcott started the season in fine form for both club and country before injury hit and Wenger is confident the former Southampton forward is making strides.

''He gives us something that is important. He goes behind the defenders and creates room and he has a direct game. We need that, especially at home,'' said the Frenchman.

''It is important to have him back and he gives you something that can make a difference in any game.

''Compared to one year ago there is no comparison, that is what people sometimes have problems to accept. At that age, every three months you go higher up but how much, you can never predict.

''But there is still a lot more to come from Theo.''