Arsenal v Steaua Bucharest:Jens Lehmann may care to keep a copy of tonight's team sheet, not so much as a sentimental souvenir but as proof to himself that he really did take part in this Champions League game.

Steaua Bucharest, who have one point to date and are already confirmed as the bottom side in Group H, look like powerless visitors in a meaningless match that might ask nothing of Lehmann.

The Germany goalkeeper, who has turned out for his country more often this season than for his club, will make his first appearance for Arsenal since his key error in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn on August 19th, but Arsene Wenger discouraged the idea that Lehmann has genuinely reclaimed his place from Manuel Almunia.

The manager said that the plan to select Lehmann this evening had been formulated following the draw at Slavia Prague on November 7th that secured Arsenal's spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.

"I decided," Wenger explained, "that the game in Spain (a 3-1 defeat to Sevilla) would be played by Almunia and the game in London by Lehmann."

He thereby rejected the hypothesis that the loss of seven goals in Arsenal's last four games had somehow raised doubts about Almunia, even though he did not look particularly blameworthy. The manager, apparently, just wants to keep Lehmann sharp.

"It is good for a goalkeeper to practise but it is also good for him, at some stage, to play at a competitive level," said Wenger.

The German has not, as yet, been offered an extension to a contract that expires in the summer. Since it is not certain that Almunia's position is unassailable, the manager may just wish to keep Lehmann somewhere in contention for a bit longer.

Arsenal, beaten 2-1 at Middlesbrough on Sunday, have won just once in their past four fixtures. Robin van Persie, who has not appeared since October 7th because of a knee injury, could take part tonight and Abou Diaby has got over a back injury.

As Wenger prepares for the visit of Chelsea he reports that Cesc Fabregas is still doing rehab work with the medical staff after his hamstring problem and is yet to rejoin the squad.

Should Arsenal win they will finish top of Group H so long as Sevilla draw or lose at Slavia Prague.