Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he doesn't want to see tackling taken out of the game.

Full-back Gael Clichy could be fit for the weekend Premier League game with Hull after suffering a badly bruised shin following a strong challenge from Bolton's Kevin Davies at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Wenger felt the incident deserved a red card, but insisted he is all in favour of a physical approach - provided it is within the rules.

"I agree football is a physical sport and a player who is not committed has nothing to do with this kind of level - one of the strengths of the English game is that kind of commitment and the way the referee keeps the flow going," the Arsenal boss said.

"What makes you more nervous is to cut the game off every two seconds because of a slight contact."

Wenger added: "Even in Manchester United versus Chelsea on Sunday, I felt the referee was a bit too protective sometimes.

"But that flow is fantastic for the game and some isolated incidents are down to detecting the intention of the player.

"I am always lenient if it is just to play the ball."