Allardyce Faces Tough Game At The Worst Possible Time!

With Claudio Cacapa and Steven Taylor also injured, Allardyce has put 20-year-old David Edgar on standby for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side.

Edgar has just one late substitute appearance in the Carling Cup win over Barnsley to his name this season.

Sam Allardyce: "I could do with all the players fit before I pit my wits against him (Arsene Wenger).

"We've both got a game we didn't want at this time, but we've got to face up to it and get on with it.

"For me it's two big home games on the trot, and we've got to make sure we get something out of them. If we can do that it will lift everyone before the Christmas period.

"They'll (Faye and Carr) be doubtful for the Arsenal game. Abdoulaye has got himself fit and pulled up with a calf injury.

"Stephen Carr came on and looked good after being out for so long, but unfortunately because of his lack of match practice, he felt his hamstring."

"If we'd kept the same back four today, we might not have been caught on the break like we were, and may well come away with a win.

"But unfortunately you have to take what comes your way and deal with injuries when they come along.

"Our problems lie with the injuries we've got at the moment, especially at the back. If we'd had Claudio (Cacapa) fit, because he's a big player for us, and Steven Taylor, Faye and Carr, things might have turned out different.

"Those are too many players to have missing in one area of the side. But the players gave their all out there, and I can't ask for more than that.

"I just hope they do the same again on Wednesday. If they do that, the fans will be right behind them."