Arsenal's recovery seemed to be totally on track, but then the injuries started. First to go was Bacary Sagna, breaking his leg at White Hart Lane. Then it was Kieran Gibbs who suffered a hernia, the undeniably talented and injury prone full back was all set for a post-Christmas return against Wolves, before he had a setback and is not now expected to return until Febuary. Carl Jenkinson had been improving rapidly before he suffered a stress fracture to his back. Three full backs down one to go. Summer signing Andre Santos (literally) fell away at Olympiakos, suffering ligament damage in his ankle and is now out until at least March, following surgery.
With no full backs left on the books, Vermaelen had been doing a solid job at left back and Djourou had just about been coping on the right. Then went Vermaelen, who suffered a calf injury against QPR. Sidelined for at least two weeks. Up stepped Coquelin, who filled in quite well for the game against Fulham. When Djourou managed to get himself sent off, after Bobby Zamora exaggerated some slight contact. That leaves Arsenal with three fit senior centre backs and Ignasi Miquel (who does look to be a good if inexperienced player). The back four against Leeds then is likely to be Kosciely Mertesacker Squillaci Miquel. It's a back four that should be able to cope against Championship opposition but beyond that, it is hard to see how Arsenal will cope. What then is the solution? A few have been suggested and I will go through them now:
Wayne Bridge (Manchester City)
Bridge is the name that has been being suggested for longest, though many Arsenal fans have greeted it with dismay, despite his Champions League experience, Bridge hasn't played a Premier League game yet this term and was unconvincing during his loan spell at West Ham last season. His £90,000 per week wages are also a large stumbling block for Arsenal and the possibility of seeing Wayne Bridge in an Arsenal shirt does seem to be diminishing.
Taye Taiwo (AC Milan)
Taiwo's agent has rubbished reports linking his player with Arsenal, and generally when that happens, the move is most definitely off. As Champions League rivals it is hard to see Milan loaning the Nigerian to Arsenal, he is not a first team regular at the San Siro - with only four league appearances this season - so this could mean that Milan would listen to a permanent offer. Although this is an avenue Wenger is reluctant to explore.
Keiran Richardson (Sunderland)
The Gunners have reportedly had a loan bid for Richardson turned down by Sunderland, other sources (that I am more inclined to believe) state that Arsenal have no interest in the former Manchester United man and that there has definitely been no rejection of a loan bid. A versatile player, Richardson can play at left back, left midfield and as a second striker. New Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has said that he wants no January departures, so a loan bid would appear to be a certain no go for Wenger.
Neil Taylor (Swansea)
The Sun has linked Taylor with a sensational switch to North London; the former Wrexham man has only half a season's Premiership experience and would be a massive gamble. As Brendan Rodgers first choice left back, the Swans are unlikely to be willing to entertain the idea of loaning him to the Gunners for the rest of the season, and it is likely that only a large fee would tempt them into selling, though he is halfway into a three year deal.
Saad al-Mukhaini (Fanja SC)
An unknown in the UK al-Mukhaini has 23 caps for Oman since his debut in 2009. The 24 year old plays in the Omani second division with Fanja SC, and will join up with the Gunners for a two day trail as soon as all his travel paperwork is completed. Carrying a price tag of £250,000, the left back was recommended to Wenger by Paul Le Guen - former Lyon and Rangers manager. According to Mohammed al Alawi, Oman national team manager, Arsenal scouts have been watching al-Mukhaini "for a while." He also says that al-Mukhaini is a "very talented footballer." Arsenal fans have generally greeted this news with suspicion and disappointment, but it would serve them well to remember Wenger's history of taking unknowns and turning them into stars.
It will be interesting to see who Arsenal do sign this transfer window as cover in the full back position. Any arrivals other than a full back and Thierry Henry do seem unlikely though, although many a clamouring for a new striker to support van Persie. Henry's deal is also being held up, and it is believed that a debut against Leeds United in the FA Cup is less and less likely. We can only hope for positive news on that soon.
Arsenal have officially confirmed the capture of the young German Thomas Eisfeld. A 19 year old attacking midfielder, Eisfeld has six goals in twelve appearances for Borussia Dortmund's under-19 team this season. The youngster has signed on a 'long-term contract' for a reported £400k. 
