The defence is not as dodgy-looking as you might expect though. Ashely Cole and Martin Keown, both of whom were rated as doubtful immediately after the Newcastle game, are both said to be making the trip to Russia.

But the midfield could be a bit light with Patrick Vieira and Freddie Ljungberg both out. One has to assume that Ray Parlour will play. Perhaps we'll see the Brazilian pair in the middle with Bob and Ray on the wings. David Bentley has also been called into the squad for the trip.

With no Bergkamp of course, it has to be Henry and Wiltord up front, with cover from Kanu and Aliadiere.

The above comes from The Sun. Sorry if I've passed on anything they've published without foundation! They do quote Le Boss on the Campbell situation, "I told Sol he must do what he thinks is right after the death of his father and we have put no pressure on him at all". And they go on to say that he is expected back in time for the trip to Anfield next Saturday (but no pressure!).

Rupe adds...
Subsequent reports suggest that Keown and Cole's presence on the flight may depend on the results of fitness tests this morning. Freddie looks like being out for a couple of weeks (which really does make you wonder about the decision to leave him on the pitch for the last 20 minutes of Friday's match). Vieira is somewhat more likely than Ljungberg to make the trip, but is unlikely to play. And there are reports that Arsenal may recall Moritz Volz to help cope with the expected defensive gaps. It makes sense but if you look carefully there's no more basis for the story than there was when we mentioned the idea in passing last week. The quotes from Volz himself look old.

Rupe adds...
and finally...

The club confirm that Ashley and Martin have travelled, Paddy Freddie and Sol have not. "Basically, anyone who regularly practises with the first team is going," says Wenger on the official site. That includes Bentley, as well as Justin Hoyte and Stathis Tavlaridis.