Nicklas Bendtner
Bentner has made one start this season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has contradicted Nicklas Bendtner's version of events regarding his failed departure from the Emirates Stadium stating that the Denmark international called off a summer move from north London.

Bendtner spent last season on loan at Juventus but upon his return to English shores was linked with a deadline day move to newly promoted Crystal Palace.

The 25 year old had originally claimed the reason for remaining at Arsenal was due to the club failing to sign Demba Ba on loan from Chelsea.

On the eve of the Gunners' League Cup tie against Jose Mourinho's men, which Bendtner is set to start, Wenger says the striker himself turned down an offer to leave before the French boss pulled the plug.

"Nicklas has been away for a lot of time and he was half - when I say half I mean 80 per cent - out of the club, and in the end he decided to stay and I stopped him from going," Wenger said.

"I must say, he responded in a positive way and that is what we want from him now. I believe he is physically ready, a very good player and if his concentration is 100 per cent to commit himself to the cause he will be a great asset for us. But that is what you want from him in this game."

The former Birmingham City and Sunderland loan player - who started the League Cup third round win at West Bromwich Albion - is one of only two senior strikers available to Wenger, with Olivier Giroud expected to be rested against Chelsea following a heavy workload this season.

The regularity at which Bendtner has flattered to deceive means he divides Arsenal supporters as to his role but Wenger hopes he gets the full backing from fans.

"You want to be respected and liked by your own fans, and I think he is. Nicklas will get even more credit if has a great fight tomorrow and does well," Wenger added.

Wenger is expected to field team combining first-team and academy players, with Jack Wilshere, Isaac Hayden and Ryo Miyaichi among those in contention to be involved.

Arsenal are without Mikel Arteta however after the club decided against appealing against his red card against Crystal Palace after referee Chris Foy had adjudged he was the last man following a foul on Marouane Chamakh.

Mathieu Flamini, who was replaced by Serge Gnabry on Saturday, is out with a groin problem and youth midfield Gedion Zalalem will miss the opportunity to impress having only recently recovered from a knee injury.

The French boss added: "The team will be a mixture, with some players who are at the moment not getting the games they need and deserve, and also one or two young players. I have to get that mixture right and I will leave myself until tomorrow to decide how I do that."