Arsenal Lose Five Players Before Champions League Clash with Porto

Arsenal has lost the services of five first-team players before their big game against Porto in the Champions League.

Almunia, Eduardo, Gallas, Song and Arshavin are the latest to miss out the next game against Porto, as well as long-term absentees Van Persie, Gibbs and Djourou.

Arsenal's task has now become a lot harder than most people have expected.

It is expected that Fabianski will fill in for Almunia and Bendtner to start again up front, just like the Liverpool game.

Wenger confirmed that Sol Campbell would deputize for Gallas alongside Vermaelen.

Carlos Vela is the only player to make it back from injury and Arsenal currently have few strikers to spare.

This hasn't been the news Arsenal fans were expecting before the game, as the fans were waiting to hear about Eduardo's situation and whether he will be able to play against Porto or not.

But the latest news has just confirmed that Arsenal are going to play with half their team missing due to injury.

The current Arsenal team to be included in the Porto clash are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Fabianski and Mannone

Defenders: Vermaelen, Campbell, Silvestre, Sagna, Clichy, Traore and Eboue

Midfielders: Nasri, Rosicky, Fabregas, Ramsey, Diaby and Denilson

Strikers: Bendtner, Vela and Walcott

The only true strikers Arsenal posses are Bendtner and Vela, both coming off of injuries and haven't scored a goal in 2010.

But, perhaps the fact that most of Arsenal's goals are from the midfield is the Gunners' greatest strength, as they are still not greatly affected by their current slew of injuries.

Cesc Fabregas' performance tomorrow might prove crucial to Arsenal, as Real Madrid have already lost to Lyon and Manchester United have beaten Milan in the San Siro for the first time in their history (courtesy of brace from Rooney and a freak goal by Scholes).

Porto is no weaker a foe than those teams, as Fabregas is Arsenal's biggest threat this season and his form might decide the outcome for tomorrow's game.

Last season the Gunners beat Porto four goals to nil in the Emirates and lost two goals to nil in the Dragao Stadium, due to the fact that Wenger was playing with the Carling Cup kids in that match.

Arsenal's chances to advance have been dealt a big blow by the many injuries that have hit the team this season, but the Gunners are probably capable of providing a desirable result should they be on-form.