The Centre Circle

How many fit players will there actually be for tomorrow's Barcelona v Arsenal clash at the Nou Camp? The latest victim of the injury plague that has hit both teams is Alex Song who reportedly complained about his knee yesterday in training. After a scan he was found to have an inflamed cartilage which will require at the very least a period of rest. “He is definitely out of the game in Barcelona” confirmed manager Arsene Wenger.

Song joins a lengthening injury list; Arshavin, Gallas, Fabregas and Van Persie are all important figures in the Arsenal squad who are either ruled out for the season or struggling to return before the end of it.