Arsene Wenger has just 14 fit players for the FA Cup fifth round clash against Manchester United, and is facing a massive problem trying to put together a competitive eleven.
Nine Definitely Out
It had emerged last evening that around three players were out of the Old Trafford game, but a number of other doubtful players have also been ruled out since.
Those who are definitely out are Tomas Rosicky, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou, Alexandre Song, Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby, Denilson and Bacary Sagna.
That has left the Arsenal manager with only fourteen outfield players, of which Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flaminu are also doubtful.
"We are really touched severely by injuries," said Wenger. "It is a period when you don't want to lose players because these are decisive months."
"If you lose players now they could be out for the rest of the season. "We are down to the bare bones because we have just 14 players."
Late Decision
Wenger will be wary of taking any risks with the Champions League clash against Milan in mind, which means he might be left with a make-shift squad to take on a full strength Manchester United side - boosted by the return of Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Louis Saha.
"Everybody travels and I will make a late decision on Saturday morning to see who I give a breather to," he added.
"I have to decide who is in the most danger. I will make a check with the medical people and then make a decision."
Play To Win
However, he rubbished any talk of being conservative, insisting Arsenal would play with their best possible eleven, and play to win.
"It is a priority because it is the next game," he quipped. "We are on a good run and we want to keep that going. It is always difficult to measure the influence of a lost game compared with the benefit of resting players.
"We have a tricky week because have Milan on Wednesday and Birmingham on Saturday but we play Manchester United and we want to win. We will put out the strongest team possible."
No Mind Games Please
However, he was not too keen on the psychological impact of the game on the title race, insisting he would have preferred a smaller team.
"I'm wasn't jumping through the roof when I heard we were playing Manchester United away from home. I wanted a small team at home," he admitted.
"But that is the charm of the cup. Sometimes it is easier to play away against a big team because they have to come at you so you get some space. What you don't want at the moment is a draw because we have too many fixtures and we have a small squad."
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