Soccer: Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny have been ruled out of Arsenal's crucial game against Stoke, but both could return for Sunday's Carling Cup final against Birmingham.
The Gunners head to Wembley this weekend looking to win their first trophy since they beat Manchester United on penalties to lift the 2005 FA Cup.
Van Persie will be key to the club's chances of success given that he has been on red-hot form recently, scoring five times in his last three matches.
Manager Arsene Wenger left Van Persie out of the 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
"We do not have Van Persie available or Koscielny and (Thomas) Vermaelen has a long-term (Achilles) injury," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny has a back problem but they both have a chance to be involved on Sunday."
One crumb of comfort for Wenger is the return of the in-form Johan Djourou, who has recovered from a back injury and will partner Sebastien Squillaci in central defence.
"Johan Djourou missed out on Sunday but he is better and will play tomorrow," Wenger added.
Wenger's side beat Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium last week but were brought swiftly down to earth against League One side Orient on Sunday.
Nevertheless, the Gunners know that a return to winning ways against Stoke will see them close the gap on leaders Manchester United to just one point in the first match in a gruelling schedule which could see them play six times in 17 days.
Arsenal have lost three times at home this year - more than any other team in the top six - and Wenger thinks their form at the Emirates could prove decisive in their push to win their first title in seven years.
"We know we are in a strong position," the 61-year-old said. "The players know that at home our results will have a vital importance to have a chance to win the title. The focus will be natural, this team wants to win every single game and the players are disappointed after the Leyton Orient result."
Tomorrow's game will see the renewal of a rivalry which has boiled over on several occasions over the last few years.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis accused Wenger of "moaning like a drain" over fixture congestion last season, while the Frenchman slammed Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross for his "horrendous" tackle which broke Aaron Ramsey's leg in March 2010.
Wenger then upped the ante by comparing Stoke's style to a rugby team this season and is aware of the visitors' physical strength with players like John Carew and Kenwyne Jones.
"What is important for us against Stoke is for us to have the ball, because the more we can have the ball then the less dangerous they can be in the air," he said. "We will try to dominate and master the game, because as long as we have the ball, they cannot be dangerous."
