Kuranyi: Jens will bounce back

Schalke striker backing Arsenal goalkeeper

By James Dall   Last updated: 12th October 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kuranyi: Jens will bounce back

Lehmann: Kuranyi backing

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Schalke's Kevin Kuranyi has backed Jens Lehmann to regain his place in the Arsenal starting XI.

Lehmann, who has been struggling with injury, has not featured for The Gunners since the away draw at Blackburn Rovers on 19th August.

Earlier in the season the German shot-stopper produced a number of high-profile blunders and could well face a fight to reclaim his place in the Arsenal side when he returns from an injury lay-off.

Difficult time

Manuel Almunia has deputised for the injured Lehmann, and has impressed in managing six clean sheets in nine games.

Kuranyi admits Lehmann is currently going through a difficult period, but believes the 37-year-old will work his way back into Arsene Wenger's thoughts.

"Of course, it's always important for any player to play games," he said.

"He was Arsenal's number one, and although he is going through a difficult time at the moment, I'm sure he will bounce back and play again for Arsenal given time."

Hearts

Germany need just one point from their remaining four games to mathematically seal qualification to next summer's finals in Switzerland and Austria.

And Kuranyi is sure that his team-mates will not become complacent in Saturday's Euro 2008 Group D encounter against Republic of Ireland.

"We have come here to win the game - there is no doubt about it," he added.

"We only need a point, but in our heart of hearts we know Ireland are a very hard team to beat. Coming here to scramble a point isn't good enough. We want to win this game."