Could Arshavin and Song's Absence Hurt Arsenal's Chances Against Porto?

As Arsenal prepare for their Champions League Fourth Round encounter with FC Porto, there is a potential hazard. The Gunners could be without two of their most important players: midfielder Alexandre Song and forward Andrei Arshavin.

Both picked up injuries in Arsenal's 1-0 win over rivals Liverpool. Song has a ligament injury, whilst Arshavin is carrying a hamstring injury.

This comes as a huge blow, as both have featured predominantly this season. Song has been a revelation in the midfield, becoming one of the League's most consistent performers.

The Cameroon midfielder has helped fill the lacking physicality hole in the midfield that was so evident last season. The 23-year-old has finally nailed down the defensive midfielder role and is quickly becoming one of the world's top defensive midfielders.

Andrei Arshavin hasn't exactly had the same impact as late last season, but the Russian dynamo has been so vital to the Arsenal attack.

With Arsenal's injury toll almost reaching double figures, Arshavin has taken on the main striker role due to injuries to forwards. The Russian captain has help stabilize the attack and provided Arsenal with versatility and creativity.

It is still unclear whether the pair will feature against Portuguese giants Porto, but if both fail to appear, will Arsenal struggle?

The midfield will lack serious grunt and strength. Denilson will most likely be forced to take Song's role. The Brazilian is struggling for form of late and his recent performances as defensive enforcer were below par. However Denilson is an able performer who is capable of performing the required needs for the Arsenal midfield.

Meanwhile, the frontline will lack that extra creativity and speed down the left side. Theo Walcott is likely to replace Arshavin, with Samir Nasri switching sides to the left.

Porto are doughty performers, easily capable of upsetting the Gunners and becoming the underdog side of the Champions League. 

Could Arshavin and Song's Absence Hurt Arsenal's Chances Against Porto?