In addition, we're missing Pascal Cygan (hamstring, a week away from return), Kerrea Gilbert (back, return date unknown), Robin van Persie (toe, maybe back next week), and Lauren (out for the season). Not an encouraging list, exactly, but it's been worse recently.

Fulham have their own problems. Not least is Papa Boupa Diop, who returned from international duty with a foot injury which rules him out of the Arsenal game. Chris Coleman says he's going to complain to the Senegalese FA about the timing of their friendly, which seems a little strange given that just about everyone was doing it.

Wayne Bridge is also out after picking up an ankle strain in the England game, but I've not yet seen Coleman saying he's going to complain to them. Niclas Jensen or Liam Rosenior will fill in at left back. Keeper Tony Warner, who played a blinder for them at Highbury at the start of the season, will probably deputise again for Antni Niemi who picked up a hamstring injury warming up for their game against Bolton last weekend (will managers start stopping their keepers from warming up, one has to wonder). But Mark Crossley is an option too.

Former Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown is also out with a hamstring strain. Mark Pembridge is back in contention. He's been out injured but played 90 minutes in a friendly on Monday.

Fulham, who like Arsenal have a woeful away record (they're the only club in the country without an away win this season), are looking to take an unbeaten home run into double figures, last having lost at home to Man Utd on October 1st. They haven't beaten us at the Cottage for 40 years.