Unbelievable injuries are costing us dear, says Gael

"We have a small squad and to lose players like this is unbelievable but we just have to carry on working."

Although the Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 10 League matches, only five of those have been victories and for all manager Arsene Wenger's positive spin, there is a possibility they could miss out on a top-four finish and Champions League football for the first time since the Frenchman took charge in 1996 - and there is a tricky FA Cup replay with Cardiff to negotiate tomorrow night.

"For 10 years, we have been in the Champions League so it would be a big blow for the club and the fans [to miss out]," said defender Clichy. "But the season is not finished."

Arsenal are still hopeful of a late breakthrough in the stalemate with Zenit St Petersburg over a deal to sign Andrei Arshavin.

The Gunners are refusing to increase their offer of £12million plus £3m in add-ons while the Russian club are now understood to be demanding the full amount up front.

Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, told Standard Sport: "In my job, I have to be optimistic something will happen but Zenit will only do the deal if they decide it is right for them."

Wenger, who has grown agitated by the protracted negotiations, appears to be resigned to missing out on his top transfer target before the window closes today. Arshavin was thought to be in St Petersburg yesterday and the Gunners boss said: "He needs to be in this country to sign because he has to make a medical if we sign him.

"But we are not as far as that. At the moment this transfer has more chance not to happen than to happen. Frankly, I am a bit fed up with it."

West Ham were themselves attempting to do some deadline-day business, with one of their targets being 22-year-old South African defender Bryce Moon. With Julien Faubert going to Real Madrid on loan, they were short down the right-side of their team and Moon, who is currently at Greek club Panathinaikos, was one option being considered by Gianfranco Zola today.

Tottenham, in their failed attempts to sign Craig Bellamy, have meanwhile been back at West Ham's door, this time enquiring for Carlton Cole.

Spurs, desperate to sign a striker following the injury to Jermain Defoe, have asked about former Chelsea striker, who has recently signed a new long-term contract at Upton Park.

But West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has declared that he would not sell a player to close rivals Spurs while he was at the club.