Blow for Gunners as Theo misses final

If Arsene Wenger was considering resting some of his key players for the Carling Cup final on Sunday he may have had that choice taken away from him as his injury woes mount.

As the Gunners juggle their squad through four competitions injuries are perhaps the inevitable conclusion and with Wembley on the horizon it couldn't have come at a worse time.

Theo Walcott – a goal-scorer last time Arsenal reached the League Cup Final – is definitely out of Sunday's game after he sprained an ankle in Wednesday's match against Stoke.

Walcott picked up the injury in a challenge with Dean Whitehead, though Arsenal fans will be relived it isn't as serious as the last time one of their players came off second best in a tackle with a Stoke City player – Aaron Ramsey's ankle nearly fell off in a challenge with Ryan Shawcross last year.

Cesc Fabregas is also a doubt for the game Birmingham game, arguably a bigger blow considering he is the club captain and midfield inspiration. Anyone looking to bet Carling Cup final money may want to wait and see if he will be fit.

In previous seasons Wenger may have considered resting Fabregas for such a game, it's 'only' the league cup after all. But given their trophy drought has stretched into a sixth year it has taken on greater significance. Fabregas himself is also desperate to become the first Arsenal player to lead the side out in a major final at Wembley since 1998.

He isn't alone in the physio room though, Lukas Fabianksi and Thomas Vermaelen are definitely out while Laurent Koscielny and Robin Van Persie are doubts. The Carling Cup final betting makes Arsenal strong favourites, but the absence of these players could make a big difference.

By still being in all four competitions Arsenal are victims of their own success to a certain extent. But the psychological significance of lifting a trophy can't be understated. They will only hope that by attempting to juggle four different competitions they don't overstretch themselves and drop them all within one injury ravaged month.