Wenger ponders Toure mercy dash

Arsene Wenger admits he may have to ask Kolo Toure to make a dash straight back from the African Nations Cup as the Arsenal boss is "down to the bare bones" for Monday night's Barclays Premier League clash against Blackburn.

Centre-back Toure has been away with Ivory Coast for the best part of a month, but could not help the Elephants reach this weekend's final after they were beaten by Egypt.

"I have not called Kolo yet, but I will try to see if he can take a flight from Accra to London, as Ivory Coast play (third-place game) on Saturday afternoon," said Wenger.

"Otherwise it will be Gilberto, or Justin Hoyte at centre half."

The Arsenal manager continued: "Overall we are very, very short and it is down to the bare bones."

Wenger has almost a full side either unavailable or doubtful as he prepares for the visit of Rovers.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini picked up a hamstring problem while on international duty with France, and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has been laid low by a virus after missing last weekend's win at Manchester City with a twisted thumb.

Abou Diaby (calf) is out, along with Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Robin van Persie (thigh), Johan Djourou (groin) and Denilson (hamstring).

Emmanuel Eboue is also still away with Ivory Coast, while Alex Song has helped Cameroon reach the final.