Robinson in 'state of shock' over snub by Ramos

Juande Ramos last night steadfastly refused to back Paul Robinson as his first-choice goalkeeper after he dropped the England international from the Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal. The decision to play Radek Cerny casts serious doubt over Robinson's future and he was said to be in a "state of shock" over the decision.

The head coach has lost faith after a series of blunders. Having been left out by England for the vital European Championships qualifier at home to Croatia it means Robinson has now been excluded from the two biggest matches of his season so far.

Indeed Ramos equated Robinson to other squad players. "It's the same for (Paul) Stalteri, (Kevin) Boateng and all the other players on the bench," he said. "Only 11 can play. He (Robinson) is a good goalkeeper which he's demonstrated with his career so far. But all the players are to be considered and I choose who is best for each match."

Ramos also refused to comment on Jermain Defoe's claim that he has been told by the Spaniard that he can, also, leave the club. "What I can tell is that any private conversations I have with the players will remain in private," he said. However the moves certainly show that Ramos is starting to stamp his authority on the squad. He has told the chairman, Daniel Levy, that he wants a clear-out as soon as possible.

Victory last night would have strengthened his hand further and even Arsène Wenger was moved to concede that Spurs were the better side. "Tottenham were sharper than us," he said. "It's a good result considering they created more chances. But we had resilience and didn't give in."

However that came at a price. Wenger confirmed that Arsenal had picked up injuries to Robin Van Persie, only just returned from a damaged thigh, Philippe Senderos, with strained medial ligaments, and Johan Djourou. "We have lost three players and three players in the African Nations Cup," he said. "We have a problem in central defence."

The injuries will be assessed later today and could influence whether or not Wenger allows Lassana Diarra to leave. The midfielder was excluded from the squad for yesterday's game and is wanted by Newcastle United and Portsmouth. "There is a possibility," Wenger said when asked if Diarra would be sold. "But I will have to assess the injuries."