Arteta’s nine-word reply when asked if Arsenal player could make his debut tonight

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has kept his cards very close to his chest about his starting line-up against Rapid Wien later this evening, when asked whether Alex Runarsson will start by Football London.

Runarsson joined Arsenal over the summer, but is still waiting to make his debut for the Gunners, having only been given a watching brief so far.

With Arsenal set to rotate this evening, there is a feeling that the Icelandic international could be given a starting berth.

But Arteta was giving nothing away when questioned over whether his summer recruit could make his debut.

“I cannot give you the lineup for tomorrow, sorry,” he said.

Arteta has previously rotated his goalkeepers in cup competition and Runarsson surely stands a good chance of being given the nod.

Bernd Leno has featured in every Arsenal game this season, and may now be due a rest – as he has only recently returned from time out with injury.

If Runarsson is given the nod it will be intriguing to see how he copes.

Arsenal had one of the most reliable back-up goalkeepers in the Premier League last term in Emi Martinez, and the pressure will be on Runarsson to impress in his first appearance as a result.