Injured Pires to miss Cup semi-final

Robert Pires is ruled out of Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United with an ankle injury, although Arsene Wenger…

Robert Pires is ruled out of Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United with an ankle injury, although Arsene Wenger is hoping the winger will befit for next Wednesday's Premiership game against Manchester United.

Martin Keown is also a major doubt for Sunday's semi-final at Old Trafford with a hamstring injury, while Pascal Cygan is suspended. Oleg Luzhny could return from injury at centre-back.

Ashley Cole should also return after a hernia operation, while Wenger must decide whether David Seaman is ready to make his 1,000th professional appearance after a hamstring injury.

Provisional squad: Seaman, Taylor, Warmuz, Lauren, Cole, Luzhny, Toure, Campbell, Luzhny, Keown, Stepanovs, van Bronckhorst, Vieira, Gilberto Silva,Edu, Parlour, Wiltord, Ljungberg, Pennant, Henry, Bergkamp, Jeffers, Kanu.