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Arsene Wenger admits his side are in a fragile state. Photo: EPA

Injuries add to Arsenal woes ahead of Euro play-off

Under-fire Wenger urges Gunners to show some fighting spirit

AFP

Arsene Wenger admits vulnerable Arsenal must show some fight to avoid more misery in tonight's crucial Champions League play-off first leg against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Wenger's team suffered a dismal start to the Premier League campaign as Aston Villa romped to a surprise 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal's lacklustre display sparked a furious response from Gunners fans, who left Wenger in no doubt they blame him for failing to fulfil the club's pre-season promise to spend big on new signings.

But to make matters worse for Wenger, he was hit with a series of injuries against Villa which have left him with just eight fully fit senior players.

England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sustained a serious knee problem that could rule him out for several months joining an injury list that already includes Mikel Arteta, Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen. There was some good news yesterday when Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky were able to train.

In the circumstances, Wenger could have done with an easier task than trying to emerge unscathed from Fenerbahce's deafening Sukru Saracoglu stadium.

And Wenger let his guard down as he conceded his team are currently more fragile than he would like. "We missed chances, were unlucky and had injuries, roll the three together and it is a fragile position, but the difference between us and the rest is not massive," Wenger said.

"I believe our season will depend on how we respond to this defeat. After such a disappointing start it will be difficult, but we will bounce back because the spirit and the focus in the team is good. It is a vital game for us because we have fought very hard to be in this position. It is a tricky fixture, but we want to finish the job."

With only one signing since the end of last season and a series of failed bids for the likes of Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Gustavo, Wenger sorely needs a new face or two to lift spirits at the Emirates. But there was no sign of Wenger's luck improving before Arsenal headed to Turkey as Newcastle rejected his reported £12 million (HK$145 million) bid for France midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

An Arsenal offer of a combined £35 million bid for Swansea duo Michu and Ashley Williams is said to be in the pipeline, while moves for Schalke's Japanese right-back Atsuto Uchida and Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran have been suggested.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Injuries add to Arsenal woes ahead of play-off
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