Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he “does not know” if the game against Chelsea would be his last in charge of the team.
The board of the club is set to meet after the game and there the fate of the French coach would be decided.
Wenger’s contract is set to lapse this summer. He has been with the club since 1996 but is now on the verge of being sacked after the club reached a new low – missing the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
Wenger says his focus is wining the FA Cup for the team. He said winning the title is not for farewell sake but for the team to achieve something. In his two decades at the club, Wenger has lifted three Premier League title and six FA Cups. He did a back to back in 2014 and 2015.
He would face a stern test when they play league winners Chelsea – who are gunning for a double – but it could earn him a new deal. Losing scandalously would likely prompt his dismissal or at best a year more to wrap up his legacy.
Arsenal would face a tough task with defenders Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel ruled out for the clash at Wembley this weekend. Gabriel was carried out using a stretcher in the game against Everton on Sunday. Koscielny’s appeal for the Football Association to upturn his suspension was dismissed. He was red carded in the game against Everton and he is expected to serve it when they face Chelsea.
Another defender ShkodranMustafi is also in doubt for the fixture. Not having their top stars in place could significantly hamper their performance against Chelsea on which Wenger’s hopes seem to rest.