Gunners look to fire without main weapon in their arsenal

Lauren will be out for four matches and Keown three, banned for their part in the trouble between rival players at the end of the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on September 21.

Vieira, like Parlour, was suspended for one match, as well as also serving a separate one-match ban for being sent off in the incident that sparked the trouble when he kicked out at Ruud van Nistelrooy in retaliation for a clumsy aerial challenge.

“We have no problem in offensive areas but I have a big problem in midfield and at the back because Lauren, Parlour, Vieira, Gilberto and Keown are not available,” Wenger said.

He has ruled out Brazil’s Gilberto despite the limited options in midfield since the Brazilian returns from World Cup qualifying duty with his national team only 24 hours before Saturday’s afternoon kickoff.

“Gilberto will come back Friday afternoon and we have had bad experiences with players coming back (close to games),” Wenger said.

Unbeaten Arsenal’s position at the top is under threat from Chelsea, who are one point behind in second spot and play at Southampton on Saturday, and United who are a further point back in third place and face Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. (Reuters)