AS Monaco vs Arsenal: Arsene Wenger concerned about pitch as Gunners chase qualification

Arsene Wenger is concerned about Arsenal's chances against Monaco given the state of the Stade Louis II pitch and forecasts of heavy rains that could lead to water logging.

The Gunners come to France trailing the tie 3-1 after a shocking display at the Emirates, where a combination of diabolical defending and a plethora of missed chances meant that the Gunners are faced with a fifth consecutive year without progression into the quarter finals of the Champions League.

However, given their current form, there was hope among the contingent about pulling off an unlikely comeback, something which has taken a major setback with news about the pitch.

The manager has revealed that the pitch is not in great condition, which will heavily compromise Arsenal's passing game and further inhibit their chances of putting their best foot forward.

The north London club's record when playing in uneven pitches is not great and brings back memories of their 4-0 drubbing against AC Milan at the San Siro a few years back.

However, Wenger is hopeful that rains will not play spoilsport in the game and give them a fighting chance for progression.

"It is a little bit of a worry. There were two concerns when I was the manager. The quality of the pitch was not fantastic. I have just been up there - it is good, very good," Wenger said.

"The second thing is when it rains in the south of France, it rains. It doesn't drizzle. They had to postpone a game against Montpellier recently because of the rain. I hope the conditions will not be bad on the raining front," he added.

Gabriel has been deemed fit to travel with the side to France, while Tomas Rosicky, who was out with illness, has been left to recuperate in England along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored the only goal against Monaco in the reverse fixture.