In news that certainly won't further endear Stoke City to Arsenal fans, Theo Walcott is out of the Carling Cup final on Sunday, twisting his ankle during a tackle by Dean Whitehead. Whitehead's tackle may have been an accident, but, lest you have forgotten, this was the same fixture in which Ryan Shawcross broke Aaron Ramsey's leg last year. It's quite possible that Gunners fans will be turning up outside the Britannia with pitchforks and tar and whatever else they need to make an example of Potters players.

Arsenal faces a heavy fixture load, with the match against Stoke the first of five in a two week span. While the club is used to injuries, picking up any more now might see their hopes of silverware tarnish quickly. In addition to the Carling Cup, Arsenal are still in the running for the league title, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, and need a full strength squad to battle on all fronts.