Following the FA Cup draw with Bolton on Sunday, it was reported that he had a groin problem of unknown seriousness. Arsene Wenger was even quoted as saying that it could force him into the transfer market which he had previously stated wasn't going to happen.

With Robin van Persie sidelined possibly for the rest of the season, along with Alexander Hleb (hopefully only for a month) and Freddie Ljungberg (for no-one knows how long), Arsenal were looking like they could be a bit light on the attacking front... especially at right wing where Theo Walcott is yet to show that he can challenge any of these players (when fit) for a starting place (or Emmanuel Eboue come to that).

But now we're told that Le Boss will make a late decision regarding the Beast's fitness for the League Cup semi-final second leg visit of Tottenham on Wednesday. It's great news, because while Jeremie Aliadiere is looking more promising again, he's not scoring, whereas Baptista has in 2 games become the competition's leading scorer.

It's hard to know where we'd have found a decent striker in the 2 days before the transfer window closes, unless someone knows of another Henrik Larsson type free agent somewhere. Perhaps Wenger would have considered recalling Nicklas Bendtner from Birmingham, if that's possible.

Meanwhile the rumour mill grind s on, linking us with Chateauroux striker Gilles Sunu. Sky Sports claim that a deal is on the "brink of completion". We'll see. He's certainly the right type. 15 years old. French. Not a solution to any current problems though. Looks like we just have to hope that Baptista is alright and that Hleb and Freddie come back fighting fit and soon.