Arsenal have been hit by a second significant injury withdrawal ahead of tonight's potential title decider at Old Trafford, with captain Tony Adams being ruled out of the game.
Manager Arsene Wenger revealed yesterday that leading scorer Thierry Henry would be unable to play any part in the match, in which Arsenal need a point to secure the double.
However, just like Henry, Adams has also been unable to travel up to Manchester for the game with a knee injury.
Wenger had been confident about his skipper's fitness before a late fitness test, claiming: "At the moment, he looks okay and he likes these sort of games. Of course I would like him out there."
However, he will now recall Martin Keown alongside Sol Campbell, giving the 35-year-old centre-back a final chance to press his claims for a World Cup squad place in front of either Sven-Goran Eriksson or Tord Grip.
In a further twist, Wenger may also be forced to go into tonight's game without Dennis Bergkamp due to a heel injury.
PA