Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, still believes goalkeeper Manuel Almunia could play a key role in England's push for the 2010 World Cup.

The Spaniard produced a superb display in the midweek Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford. He joined Arsenal from Celta Vigo in 2004 and could be eligible to become a naturalised British citizen in the next 12 months.

The 31-year-old has yet to be called up into the Spain national team and there remains genuine possibility that Almunia would, under Fifa regulations, be available for selection to Fabio Capello, the England coach, in time for next World Cup. Wenger says he would be a superb addition to the squad.

"There are international rules which have to be respected, but if it is possible legally, why not?" Wenger said. "Then it is more a choice left to the English Football Association or to Manuel Almunia's desire.

"I believe he is not only good enough, but he is the best. It is down to what you expect morally and mentally from a national team. I believe at some stage you have to observe just the rules and decide what you want.

"On the English side, for the national team, it is not so much a problem because if the guy decides to become English, he has had to observe and respect the rules like anybody else. Why should he then not be qualified to play for the national team?

"It is more a moral problem maybe for Manuel Almunia, because does he consider he has a chance to play in the Spanish national team or not?"

Arsenal go to Portsmouth tomorrow looking to extend a 20-game unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League. However, Eduardo is out for around three weeks with a groin problem, and defender Mikael Silvestre is struggling to face his former club again because of a similar problem.

Gael Clichy [back] will miss the Champions League second-leg against United on Tuesday, but leading scorer Robin van Persie [groin] could return next week. Andrey Arshavin is available tomorrow having been cup-tied for the Champions League clash as Wenger looks to keep his side fresh and focused.

"We have a good run and want to win the game tomorrow. Tuesday is not in our mind," Wenger insisted. "Sometimes it is good to rest players, but we will have a strong team out and go there to win the game.

"When you are on a pitch, you focus on the game - you do not have in your mind what you do three days later, that is part of being a top-level footballer."

Wenger added: "We will go into the United game with full belief and with certainty. We are happy to say 'let's have a real go at Manchester United for 90 minutes' and I am convinced we will go through."