Arsenal have been hit by an injury crisis which could damage their chances of winning the Premier League.

Robin van Persie (thigh), Johan Djourou (groin), Philippe Senderos (knee), Bacary Sagna (ankle) and Theo Walcott (ankle) all picked up injuries in Wednesday night's Carling Cup clash with Spurs.

Boss Arsene Wenger is already without Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song, all of whom have left to play in the African Nations' Cup.

Arsenal are particularly short of numbers at the back ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Birmingham and Wenger admits it has been a bad few days for his squad.

. He said: "Together with the three players who have left for the African Nations' Cup, we have lost seven players in two days. We have a problem in central defence. Perhaps I will have to play there!"