The Russians, coached by former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, suffered a shock defeat to Slovenia as their bid to reach next summer's finals in South Africa came to an end last month.

Following a television report from state-controlled Channel One claiming players had partied into the early hours ahead of the qualification play-off first leg in Moscow, there is to be an inquiry by the Russian football authorities.

Wenger, however, insists Russia playmaker Arshavin - who joined the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window - is a model professional.

"He is a serious player and I have no doubt about his fitness at all," the Arsenal manager said. "I do not believe a word of what I hear, not at all.

"From what I see, how he prepares for the games, he is an example for everybody."

The Russian Football Union, meanwhile, intend to get to the bottom of the reports.

A statement on their website, www.rfs.ru, read: "The RFU sent an official letter to the heads of Channel One and the Marriott Grand, asking them to provide explanations about the reliability of the reported information."