Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo has been ruled out of the home Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Posted Saturday, November 07, 2009 by PA

The Scottish international suffered a recurrence of a metatarsal problem during his full top-flight debut at Stoke last weekend - although there is no repeat of the close-season fracture.

Last season's top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake will return to the starting line-up against Arsene Wenger's side.

Boss Mick McCarthy will have no regrets whatever the outcome and is determined to adopt an attacking approach.

The former Republic of Ireland manager said: "I won't be sat here on Saturday complaining 'we didn't have a go at them'.

"I won't be sat with a beer in my hand thinking 'we just let them just roll us over and tickle our belly'.

"I watched AZ Alkmaar at Arsenal, a fellow Champions League team, who over the last few years have won their league, have been fabulous and have some great footballers in there.

"Yet they got slapped completely when playing one up front, sitting back. They got played through, round, over, they just got mullered completely. We will try and play on the front foot."

Arsenal will again be without defender Gael Clichy (back) and striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin).

Left-back Armand Traore and forward Carlos Vela (both groin) are close to fitness but will not be included, and neither will midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) and goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski (thigh).

Brazilian midfielder Denilson (back) and England forward Theo Walcott (knee) should resume training following the international break, but centre-back Johan Djourou (knee) remains out.

Cesc Fabregas knows Arsenal must be "up for it" to keep their title challenge on track.

Wenger's men have the opportunity to put some pressure on leaders Chelsea and Manchester United, who clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with what would be a sixth win from seven league games.

Indeed were Arsenal - now unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions - to pick up another three points, it would move them, temporarily at least, above United on goal difference and within two points of Chelsea, who travel to Emirates Stadium at the end of November.

However, Gunners captain Fabregas knows unless the team are completely focused, they will face a real battle to get any sort of positive result at Molineux.

"We will have to be at our best as usual because today there are no small teams in the Premier League, everyone makes it difficult if you are not up for it, so we will have to be motivated to beat them," said Fabregas.

"It is noticeable that the 'big four' teams have lost a number of matches so far between them. In my opinion, that is better for the league because it means other teams are improving. Everyone is striving to be better and that is making it difficult for the top teams."