Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has challenged Andrey Arshavin to fight his way back into the first team.
He maintains it is up to the likes of Arshavin, who was an unused substitute in midweek, to force their way back into contention.
"I feel sorry for every player who does not play, but competition is part of our job," he said. "You must accept that in some periods of your career somebody can get in front of you."