Arsenal injury crisis for United showdown

LONDON, England -- Arsenal have an injury crisis ahead of their FA Cup fifth round showdown with Premier League title rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manager Arsene Wenger is missing nine first team stars and four more are carrying injuries, leaving the Gunners with only 14 fit outfield players to choose from.

Tomas Rosicky, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou, Alexandre Song, Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby and Denilson are all injured, while Bacary Sagna is absent due to a family problem.

Wenger is also facing a dilemma over striking star Emmanuel Adebayor who has a hamstring injury with a crucial Champions League tie with AC Milan looming next week.

Togo international Adebayor has scored in nine successive games as Arsenal have forged a five-point lead over United at the top of the English Premier League.

French stars Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini are also injury worries.

"We are down to the bare bones because we have just 14 players," Wenger said. "Everybody travels and I will make a late decision on Saturday morning to see who I give a breather to."

By contrast, Manchester United are set to be at near full-strength with Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra returning after suspension.

French striker Louis Saha also comes into contention following a knee injury after training all week but Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre remain sidelined.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also aware of their Champions League last 16 tie with Lyon on Wednesday and will adjust his side accordingly.

He said: "There are massive games to come so we have to balance our teams and hopefully get it right."

FA Cup holders Chelsea have also received a boost ahead of their tie against Huddersfield with captain John Terry passed fit to play for the first time since December.

Chelsea will also have their African Nations Cup trio of Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba available following their stints on international duty in Ghana. E-mail to a friend