Arsenal are without Petr Čech for Saturday’s north London derby, but manager Arsène Wenger has insisted David Ospina is a worthy replacement.

The Colombian has been limited to two FA Cup appearances since a Champions League blunder cost Arsenal way back in September, but he did play regularly at the back end of last season and Wenger has said he still trusts the 27-year-old.

“I have complete confidence in David and I’m not worried on that front,” Wenger told reporters on Friday morning.

“If you look at the win rate of Ospina it’s very good as well. Honestly I’m not worried at all on that front.”

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David Ospina will be in goal at White Hart Lane again on Saturday. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal fans are largely split on Ospina, some feeling his reflexes are excellent while others don’t have much faith in his presence and command of his area. He has, though, already been on the winning side at White Hart Lane once this season when he played there in Arsenal’s League Cup third round win back in the autumn.

There’s little doubt that Čech is the superior goalkeeper, but the Gunners will have to get by without him for the next few weeks. No wonder Wenger is eager to big Ospina up. He has referred to the goalkeeper as ‘world class’ this season, so now’s the time to prove the boss right.

Though he seems discontent in north London, he could view the next month or so as an opportunity to drum up interest for the summer transfer window. Hopefully he can put together a few undeniably excellent displays, starting this weekend.