Arsenal     7    

            B Sagna     Thigh Muscle Strain     no return date      

            K Gibbs     Calf/Shin Injury     23rd Oct 10      

            T Vermaelen     Achilles Tendinopathy     16th Oct 10      

            T Walcott     Ankle/Foot Injury     24th Oct 10      

            R Van Persie     Ankle/Foot Injury     24th Oct 10      

            E Frimpong     ACL Knee Injury     May 11      

            A Ramsey     Broken Leg     16th Oct 10

According to Physioroom we have Gibbs, Vermaelen, Walcott, van Persie and Ramsey due back soon. If even three out of five of them can then play through without significant injury 'til Christmas we will receive a major shot in the arm, especially seeing as the list doesn't even mention Fabregas or Bendtner.

Vermaelen, van Persie and Fabregas are clear first choice, Walcott is probably first choice, and Bendtner, Gibbs and Ramsey are capable backups. Having them back could transform our fortunes at least until they're re-injured.

Looking at upcoming fixtures, there's a strong chance we'll either lose or draw at Eastlands leaving us 9-10 points behind Chelsea at the end of October. Get ready for the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

During November, we will have a stronger side to put out, giving us the opportunity to pick up points and momentum. December will be a huge month with United away and the Chelsea return fixture a fortnight apart. Two or three points from those two fixtures could define the season.

The majority of our difficult away ties are stacked into the first half of the season, lending support to the argument that we should be able to come home quite strongly in the New Year.

Many of us have already written Arsenal off for the league title but on balance I think we are still in with a reasonable chance provided certain players can, against all historical evidence, remain fit and enter a run of decent form.