Theo Walcott's hamstring strain, sustained in last week's defeat by Chelsea, is worse than first thought and the England winger looks certain to miss Arsenal's home game against Stoke City.
The Gunners are also without Kieran Gibbs, who will miss most of the remainder of the season after surgery on a broken foot, and the suspended Alex Song, but they do have fullback Bacary Sagna available again after an ankle injury.
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar could return to action for Manchester United at West Ham United on Saturday after missing three games with a knee injury.
United still have defensive problems with Jonny Evans, John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand missing but West Ham's chances of taking advantage have been hit by a knee ligament injury that has ruled out England striker Carlton Cole.
Cole is unlikely to play again until the new year after sustaining the injury in last week's 5-3 win over Burnley.
Fernando Torres could return for Liverpool at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday after a three-week absence with a groin strain.
Blackburn have been beaten only once at home this season and went into the League Cup semi-finals after a midweek penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea. They are being managed by assistant Neil McDonald as Sam Allardyce recovers from heart surgery.
League leaders Chelsea visit Manchester City on Saturday without striker Salomon Kalou, who will miss at least two weeks after picking up a thigh strain against Blackburn.
City have drawn their last seven league games but have been buoyed up by their midweek League Cup win over Arsenal and the semi-final draw which has pitched them against Manchester United.
Everton's injury list lengthened after their morale-boosting Europa Cup win over AEK Athens and David Moyes will have to piece together a team for Sunday's home game against Tottenham Hotspur.
Defensive due Dan Gosling and Sylvain Distin and striker Jo all went off injured during the match with the first two likely to be out for some time with hamstring problems.
