Shortly after announcing a new two storey medical centre, Thomas Vermaelen agreed to sign a new deal and our second favourite injury victim will join him in the club's luxurious recuperation centre after straining stomach muscles during Sunderland game.
After Gibbs' latest injury setback Andre Santos has a great opportunity tonight to stake his claim for a place in the first team. The Brazilian was impressive at home to Olympiakos but tonight's game at the Velodrome will be a step up in intensity and many Arsenal fans will be intrigued to see how the promising left back plays.
Elsewhere Arsene Wenger has stated that he will play his strongest possible side and has stated that none of his squad are 'tired'. His biggest decisions will be whether to persevere with Jenkinson who looked shaky at times at the weekend, whether Ramsey replaces the largely ineffective Rosicky and if Arshavin has done enough to force himself into the team after an improved cameo on Sunday.
Perhaps the most worrying position where we lack options is Robin van Persie's. The Dutchman has been in great form and has had a rare injury free run but history tells us that he is not a player who can be relied upon. We have no-one who can do a decent job as the furthest player forward and we desperately need a plan B otherwise we will effectively forfeit any game our captain doesn't play. Our best player will start tonight though and we have an opportunity to register a memorable result in one of Europe's most intimidating atmosphere's.
Marseille have also struggled at the start of this season and their owner has stated that he expects a much better return from his considerable investment. A win would stamp our authority on the group but a draw would also take us a step closer to qualification. A defeat and suddenly we will be under pressure in the return match in a fortnight.
The Arse predictions:
Line-up: Wojciech Szczesny, Carl Jenkinson, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Alexandre Song, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Gervinho, Robin van Persie.
Score: 1-2 to the Arsenal