Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech confident David Ospina will step up in his absence
Injured Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech said he has full confidence that his replacement David Ospina will do well in Saturday's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal currently find themselves in third place in the English Premier League standings with 51 points from 28 games, while their opponents are one place ahead with 54 points.
Cech has been ruled out of the game with a calf injury, but is certain that Ospina will live up to expectations in such a crucial game.
"David is a very experienced goalkeeper. He has played really well, especially in the FA Cup games where he has been vital. I think everybody at the club, including the staff and the players, has big confidence in him because we can see in training and in his international games that he is a great goalkeeper," Cech was quoted as saying by the club's official website on Friday.
"We have full confidence in him and it won't be a problem. He has enough experience to play this type of game and he has played this game before so I think he will be fine. I have to say, it is always great when you have someone with the personality of Ospina where he pushes you every day in training and works hard," the veteran goalkeeper said.
The 33-year-old is likely to miss at least four league games, plus the Champions League trip to Barcelona and FA Cup replay against Hull City.
He was injured when he ran back to his area after going up for a corner in Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat by Swansea.
"We have a mutual support for each other and I think this is the most important in a mini group of goalkeepers -- sticking together, working together and pushing each other in training. It is ideal for a goalkeeper," the Czech Republic goalkeeper said.
"He has enough experience to play at this level and I don't think it will be a problem for him," Cech concluded.