ARSENAL will be without two of their most influential performers for the Barclays Premier League game at the Britannia Stadium . . . but could welcome back striker Eduardo from injury.
Russian international Andrei Arshavin and French defender William Gallas have been ruled out of the game against Stoke City after being sidelined through injury for the past couple of weeks.
Arshavin has failed to recover from a hamstring strain picked up in the recent win over Liverpool, while Gallas is troubled by a calf injury. Another absentee will be midfielder Abou Diaby who sustained a knee injury in UEFA Champions League defeat to Porto last week.
Arsenal are, of course, without long term injury victims Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou, but there was more encouraging news of a possible return for Eduardo.
He resumed training just ahead of the Britannia Stadium trip and the Gunners will make a late decision on whether he is able to figure in the match against the Potters.
In the absence of Gallas, England defender Sol Campbell is expected to continue in the heart of their defence on the ground where he made his return to Arsenal colours in the FA Cup.
