Wenger admits Gunners left with no room for error

Arsene Wenger has admitted that his injury-hit squad have been left with little room for error after early season defeats by Fulham and Hull.

But the Arsenal boss remains convinced that his players have the quality to mount a sustained title challenge.

“If you ask me how many games you think we can lose, I would say zero because I always start a season thinking you cannot lose a game, but we have lost two already and we are in a position where we have given ourselves a handicap,” the Frenchman acknowledged as he prepared for Arsenal's first meeting with a side from last season's top six, Saturday's clash with Everton.

“However, I still think it is manageable to get back to the top and I want to lead this team knowing that there is not a lot of margin of error left – but I still think we can do that.”

Wenger has been left with a major injury crisis after midweek international fixtures left over half a team in the treatment room.

Captain William Gallas, full-back Bacary Sagna, striker Nicklas Bendtner and back-up defender Johan Djourou have all been ruled out for Saturday although Cesc Fabregas, who broke his nose playing for Spain in midweek, and Dutchman Robin van Persie, who suffered a minor thigh strain, are both expected to play.

Wenger suggested that he might rest Theo Walcott after the England winger's outing in Belarus in midweek.

“Theo has come back available, but I might rest him because he played on Wednesday in Minsk. We have that option,” the manager added.

Despite the heavy losses in terms of injuries, Wenger declined the opportunity to take a swipe at the international programme, as his Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez has done this week.

“I know before they go that statistically you lose a player,” Wenger said.

“So I am not frustrated because I know that is part of the game when they go on international duty.”

“The only thing I believe is that it is a new start and that is the real start of the season because there is now no real interruptions anymore.

“It looks like to me there is a new championship starting.”

Given the injury problems Arsenal have in defence, it is expected veteran Mikael Silvestre will make a belated debut following his August transfer from Manchester United.

Now fully match-fit again after a thigh problem, Wenger believes the Frenchman can bring a bit of steel to a backline which has looked particularly vulnerable from set-plays this season.

“He is ready to compete for a place and is ready to play,” said Wenger.

“I believe he can help us to solve that 'set-plays problem' because he is a committed player and good in the air.

“He throws his body in where some other people don't.

“I am convinced he can give us something on that front which is needed in the team.”

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.

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.