Arsenal toiled hard for a vital 1-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday night but the victory came at a cost with injuries to captain Cesc Fabregas and winger Theo Walcott.
The Gunners went within a point of league leaders Manchester United thanks to Sebastien Squillaci's first Premier League goal but with important matches coming up, the issues surrounding Fabregas and Walcott could prove costly.
Fabregas walked from the pitch in just the 14th minute with a recurrence of his hamstring problem whilst Walcott has been ruled out of Sunday's Carling Cup final with Birmingham City after begin stretchered from the field with a badly sprained ankle with 20 minutes remaining.
Arsene Wenger confirmed the injuries and admitted it was a precarious time for his squad.
"Theo Walcott has an ankle sprain and he is out. For how long, I don't know, but he is definitely out of Sunday," the Frenchman said.
"Fabregas has a hamstring problem. We will assess that tomorrow. It is impossible to see how serious it is tonight. We will know tomorrow.
"It's a concern that Cesc is injured but it happens unfortunately. He was very upset. I am as well. But it is not his fault or mine. It is part of sport."
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