Lehmann: I'll be back

Lehmann: Confident

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Jens Lehmann insists he will soon usurp Manuel Almunia between Arsenal's posts, as pressure grows on the veteran from the international arena.

The oft controversial German has failed to reclaim his starting spot since picking up an injury back in August against Blackburn, with his form prior to the Rovers game less than impressive.

He has, though, managed to keep hold of his place in the national side but pressure is growing on him to be playing first team football in the build-up to Euro 2008.

Several prominent figures in the German set-up have expressed their view that a move in the January transfer window could be beneficial, if Lehmann is still warming the bench in the New Year.

But Lehmann, never short of confidence, has vowed to bounce back and reassert his position as Arsene Wenger's first choice.

Quality

"I know I will play for Arsenal again and think it may well be in our next game," Lehmann told the Daily Mail.

"Maybe this break has been good for me. Maybe I needed it. I never like being out of the team, but look what happened last time.

"The manager left me out for a few weeks three years ago and when I got my place back, I ended up having the best season of my career.

"I feel ready to come back and play to the same level again. Playing is important, of course, but there is no substitute for quality."

While Lehmann remains settled in North London for the immediate future, his long-term plan is to return to Germany and the Bundesliga.

"My wife and I miss Germany and if I still feel able to play at a high level after the Euro finals, I would like it to be with a Bundesliga club."