Arsene Wenger has backed Wojciech Szczesny after the the keeper apologised personally for the dressing room incident which saw him fined by the club this week.

The Arsenal manager was coy about whether or not the number 1 would return to the starting line-up against Stoke on Sunday, but after a week of heavy criticism seemed determined to take some of the pressure off the 24 year old.

“I like Wojciech as a person,” he said. “When he makes a mistake he stands up for it. He has contributed as well to the good image of Arsenal football club. He is a guy who learns from his mistake.

“I am happy with his development. Yes, he did apologise. He is a serious boy who works very hard. He made a mistake. He is not the first one and not the last one. Every club has its own internal discipline or rules. It doesn’t need to be public.”

“I’m against smoking but have grown up in a period where, to accomplish military service, you are paid by cigarettes.” You were encouraged. When I was a young boy I was surrounded by smokers. I smoked myself when I stopped playing and was a young coach. I was only alerted later. We know now it’s not good.”

Wenger was also asked about the comments of Szczesny’s father but dismissed them out of hand, saying, “I don’t listen to the fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers.”

We’ll see on Sunday if the apology is enough for him to keep his place or if David Ospina will remain in goal after his performance against Hull.