Arsene Wenger has called for patience from Nicklas Bendtner as he bides his time on the bench.
Gunners boss urges youngster to wait for chance
Arsene Wenger has called for patience from Nicklas Bendtner as the striker waits for his chance to lead Arsenal's attack.
The 22-year-old has recently returned from a groin injury which had kept him out since the World Cup, with five Premier League outings but no starts.
Bendtner, who scored against Manchester City and in the Gunners' Carling Cup win at Newcastle, lamented his lack of playing time during an interview to a Denmark newspaper, hinting he could look elsewhere for regular first-team football.
However, while accepting the young forward's frustration, manager Wenger has told him he must wait for his chance to shine.
Frustrated
"Have you ever seen a player who is on the bench and not frustrated?" said Wenger.
"When you try to convince a player that he has to be patient, then you waste your time, but that is what you have to do.
"You ask a player if he is fit after two training sessions and he says 'yes'. That is normal. I was the same."
The Frenchman added: "I have been very pleased with Nicklas' attitude and spirit. He has to continued to work, and when he is completely match fit he will play.
"I can understand because he has put a lot of effort in. Now he has to be a little bit patient.
"Nicklas has a good level of confidence and that is not bad, but you have to justify it on the football pitch.
"He is getting sharper in training. He will play games.
"But we are a big club and we have big strikers - you cannot start the season with one striker. You decide and, unfortunately, you can only play 11."
Chamakh form
Part of the reason Bendtner has found himself on the bench is the continued form of Marouane Chamakh, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Bordeaux in the summer on a free transfer.
The Morocco international's brace at Wolves made it eight goals from 17 appearances, and Wenger is pleased with his progress.
"When you look at the number of times Chamakh was decisive, you can only say that if you are not happy you must be very difficult to please," he said.
"I am extremely satisfied I signed him.
"Chamakh is a guy who gets others involved, who creates chances, who is collective in the final third.
"He is a very collective player and even if he doesn't get 20 goals I am sure the players around him will score because of him."
