Wenger drops Petr Cech for Arsenal’s FA Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday

David Ospina and Petr Cech

Arsene Wenger has dropped an FA Cup bombshell by picking David Ospina to play at Wembley.

It is a major shock by Wenger to pick David Ospina ahead of the vastly experienced Petr Cech, 35, who will be left devastated by the news.

Former Chelsea keeper Cech was desperate to play against his old club and his experience was expected to be vital with Arsenal facing a defensive crisis with Laurent Koscielny banned and Gabriel out injured.

It is made even more bizarre by the fact that Ospina is in advanced talks with Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Ospina, 28, is expected to move there this summer in a £5m move after getting frustrated at being second choice to Cech.

Gunners boss Wenger had promised to play Ospina in Champions League games but it was not so clear for the FA Cup and the decision has shocked other players.

Cech played in the semi final, has been in excellent form during Arsenal's run-in and Wenger even hinted this week that he would play at Wembley.

But Ospina is fit again and will start and that is likely to cause bemusement among Arsenal fans who regard Cech as one of their best and most experienced players.

Wenger has used Ospina in earlier rounds and even used a No2 in previous finals but Cech was widely expected to start.

Now they could face an even tougher test at Wembley with Chelsea red-hot favourites to complete the Double.

But it also shatters Cech's hope of facing his former club which would have been a special moment for the Arsenal No1.

By AFP 3 hrs ago
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