Wenger : Podolski could return vs Chelsea

Wenger says he takes encouragement from the attacking flair his side showed in defeat at the Etihad.

"Quite amazingly, despite the fact we conceded goals, the match was not all negative," he said. "Because we could have scored six as well.

"On the offensive front, we have shown that we have huge potential.

"I believe that we should come out of that game even stronger in our belief, even stronger in our resolute attitude, because we have shown until now that we can be very strong defensively and, as well, on the day we have shown that we can be dangerous against anybody.

"We can rectify the defensive problem, but that's what we want to show against Chelsea."

Wenger says defender Laurent Koscielny is an "80/90 per cent" doubt for the match after suffering a gash in his knee at Manchester City but forward Lukas Podolski could be involved for the first time since late August, having recovered from a hamstring tear.

"It is a big boost because he can score goals in big games," said Wenger.

"He has shown that before. He is a clinical finisher and a great football player."