Arsene Wenger admits Chelsea pre-season clash is 'not really a friendly'

The two rivals meet at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing just eight weeks after facing each other at Wembley in the FA Cup Final

Arsene Wenger's men face Chelsea on Saturday in Beijing (Getty)

Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal's pre-season clash with Chelsea on Saturday is "not really a friendly" given the history between the two sides.

The two rivals meet at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing just eight weeks after facing each other at Wembley in the FA Cup Final.

However, following a gruelling tour to Australia and China - which also saw a match against Bayern Munich played out in the sweltering conditions of Shanghai and the squad hit with a sickness bug - Wenger believes it should at least give an indication as to what will be left to fine tune on their return to London.

Arsenal will play two fixtures in the Emirates Cup next weekend before tackling Chelsea again in the FA Community Shield ahead of the season opener against Leicester on Friday August 11.

"It is difficult to predict, but I think it is a friendly between Arsenal and Chelsea, that means it is not really a friendly," Wenger said at a press conference in Beijing, which was broadcast on the club's official website. "There is some pride at stake and a desire to win. It was a very interesting game in the FA Cup final, we play them in the Charity Shield (Community Shield) and then play them early in the (Premier League) season as well.

"In fact, we know each other very well and it is difficult how to know how prepared Chelsea are and how far we are for the preparation tomorrow. It was a good indication against Bayern, it will be another test for us tomorrow."

Wenger confirmed forward Theo Walcott was doubtful for Saturday's match, but the problem was "nothing major".

Defender Laurent Koscielny expects to be able to feature despite a back problem.

The France international feels the two-week tour has been worthwhile. He said: "For the team, I think last season we finished well and we worked well in Australia and China.

"We are focused on the games and we want to win because that gives you confidence to play with freedom."