Injuries take heavy toll on Arsenal

Arsenal have been left reeling after midweek international fixtures left Arsene Wenger with over half a team in the treatment room.

Captain William Gallas, full-back Bacary Sagna and striker Nicklas Bendtner have all been ruled out of the Emirates Stadium meeting with Everton on Saturday while Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Johan Djourou all suffered less serious injuries on duty for their countries.

“Unfortunately we have lost some players over the 10 days (international break) – William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and Nicklas Bendtner,” Wenger said.

“These are heavy losses and we have to compensate them.

“Fortunately the three of them don't look to be out for a long, long time – but they will be out for the weekend game and I think the game on Tuesday (Champions League trip to Fenerbahce).”

Wenger was optimistic that both van Persie (thigh) and Djourou, who suffered concussion while playing for Switzerland, would have recovered sufficiently to be able to feature against Everton, while Fabregas should be able to play with a broken nose.

The injury problems are also partly offset by the return to full fitness of combative midfielder Abou Diaby, who will be in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from a thigh injury.

“Even though he has not played games he will be used, at the least in the squad, because we have lost those three players,” Wenger confirmed.

The injury to Gallas is likely to mean that his compatriot Mickael Silvestre will make his first appearance for the Gunners since joining from Manchester United in August.

One compensation for Wenger is that Everton boss David Moyes has equally serious injury/illness problems, and will also have to do without influential midfielder Tim Cahill, who completes a three-match ban.

Midfielder Segundo Castillo picked up a hamstring strain while away on international duty with Ecuador, and defenders Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo have flu.

Striker Victor Anichebe and captain Phil Neville are also still recovering from hamstring problems while Leon Osman has a groin strain.