Wenger opts not to select Lehmann

LONDON, England -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits Jens Lehmann is no longer his first choice goalkeeper after selecting Manuel Almunia for Saturday's Premier League match against Bolton.

Although Lehmann suffered a minor injury in training on Friday, he was fit enough to play for the league leaders for the first time since August 19.

However, Wenger had already decided to keep faith with Almunia as Arsenal try to extend their 10-match winning run.

Lehmann has been out of favor since making errors against Fulham and Blackburn.

Wenger could have named the Germany No.1, who played for his country against Ireland last weekend, as a substitute -- but he opted to have Pole Lukasz Fabianski on the bench instead.

"Almunia will play and I have decided to stick with the same team and keep the continuity going," Wenger said.

"In my opinion we have three world class keepers and only one of them can play. I have got 25 players in the squad and they all expect to play."

"Lehmann is disappointed but there is a lot of competition for places. He is an intelligent guy and knows what he has to do. He could go on the bench -- but for tomorrow I have decided to leave him out completely. Jens is a world class goalkeeper but I made the choice for the continuity of the side." E-mail to a friend