Source: Team_Talk
Wenger set to utilise Gunners squad
The Gunners head to the Britannia Stadium having gone top of the Premier League, albeit only on goal difference, following a 4-2 win over Bolton at the Emirates Stadium.[LNB]The victory, however, came at a cost, as midfielder Abou Diaby is set for a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.[LNB]Full-back Bacary Sagna is another who needs to be rested because of a shoulder problem as Wenger looks to protect some of his key men ahead of a run of matches which will make or break the campaign.[LNB]However, that is likely to mean a chance for former captain Sol Campbell to make his return having signed on a short-term contract last week.[LNB]"I will assess the situation on Friday and Saturday, but we will certainly make use of the squad," said Wenger.[LNB]"We have lost no-one else from Bolton, but some have played on the fringe like Bacary Sagna, who has a bad shoulder. He will absolutely need to be rested."[LNB]Wenger revealed Diaby's injury was not too severe.[LNB]"He is out for Stoke and certainly for the Villa game," said the Arsenal manager.[LNB]"There is hope he might be back for Manchester United, but we don't know yet."[LNB]England forward Theo Walcott came off the bench against Bolton, who had led 2-0, and so could be given another run-out on Sunday.[LNB]The next time Arsenal resume league action, it will be the start of a crucial phase of the season.[LNB]First up will be a trip to top-six hopefuls and Carling Cup finalists Aston Villa on January 27, with the small matter of the visit of Manchester United four days later.[LNB]The following weekend will see Arsenal at Chelsea, before hosting Liverpool on February 10 ahead of the Champions League last-16 clash against Porto.[LNB]Wenger said: "After these games, it [title hopes] depends whether you are top of the league on goal difference or if you are 12 points ahead of the second team.[LNB]"We are in a fight where we are at the top of the league at the moment.[LNB]"The real difference is made with the teams you fight against [for the title].[LNB]"Those games have mathematically a much bigger impact on the table than like against Bolton."[LNB]Wenger added: "We believe we have a real chance [of the title] and I am convinced this team will have a real go.[LNB]"It is very important we keep a good mixture between humility, with our feet on the ground and of course ambition and desire to win it."[LNB]Defender William Gallas, meanwhile, will not face any retrospective disciplinary action from the Football Association following his tackle on Bolton's Mark Davies, which left the midfielder with a serious ankle injury, in the build-up to Arsenal's equaliser as referee Alan Wiley considered he dealt with the incident as he saw it at the time.[LNB]Full-back Kieran Gibbs is, however, set to miss the rest of the campaign as he needs further surgery to repair a depressed open fracture to his first metatarsal.[LNB][LNB] Arsenal 8/11, Draw 5/2, Stoke 4/1
