Soccer-Arsenal down to 'bare bones' for United clash

By Timothy Collings

LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Injury-plagued Arsenal are down to the 'bare bones' ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, manager Arsene Wenger said.

Wenger, who will make a late decision on his starting line-up, said on Friday only 14 players were to travel north for the weekend's outstanding tie.

But he rejected all thoughts of fielding a weakened team to save his senior men for next Wednesday's Champions League clash with AC Milan.

"It is a priority (this game) because it is the next game and we want to keep our good run going and we want to try to win the trophy," Wenger told reporters. "I am down to the bare bones of just 14 players so everybody travels.

"It will be a late decision tomorrow morning to see who I may give a breather to. So, tonight I will check the medical people."

Wenger said he was doubtful about the fitness of defenders Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos, striker Emmanuel Adebayor and midfielder Matthieu Flamini with various "joint and muscle" problems.

Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points and have lost just once in their last 16 outings, a League Cup defeat at Tottenham last month. Arsenal are also unbeaten in their last three meetings against United.

Wenger said he is definitely without midfielder Tomas Rosicky, forwards Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie, midfielders Bacary Sagna and Denilson.