The Gunners head into Saturday's clash against Everton at the Emirates Stadium without captain and centre-half William Gallas as well as full-back Bacary Sagna, who both picked up knocks while away with France.

Add to that the enforced absence of fellow defender Johan Djourou because of concussion and striker Nicklas Bendtner, who has an ankle problem, and suddenly Wenger's options - particularly at the back - appear somewhat depleted.

However, the Arsenal manager is confident enough that with the return of Abou Diaby for the first time this season following a thigh problem and midfielder Cesc Fabregas having pledged to play through the pain barrier after breaking his nose during the international break, he can even afford to give England winger Theo Walcott a rest.

Wenger, though, is anything but complacent having seen his men already lose twice this season - the same amount as in the entire of their last league campaign when they again missed out on the title as both Manchester United and Chelsea overtook them during the run-in.

With two more points dropped at Sunderland in their last match before a fortnight off, Arsenal, currently in fourth place, cannot afford many more off days if they are to remain serious challengers over the next seven months.

"If you ask me how many games you think we can lose, I would say zero because I always start a season thinking you cannot lose a game, but we have lost two already and we are in a position where we have given ourselves a handicap," he said.

"However, I still think it is manageable to get back to the top and I want to lead this team knowing that there is not a lot of margin of error left - but I still think we can do that."

Wenger hopes all of his latest players to head to the treatment room will be short-term, with winger Tomas Rosicky and striker Eduardo both continuing their long roads back to full match fitness.

Forward Robin van Persie has recovered from a muscular problem picked up while away with Holland, but Walcott could be given a breather tomorrow.

"Theo has come back available, but I might rest him because he played on Wednesday night in Minsk. We have that option," said Wenger.

The latest round of international fixtures certainly hit the Gunners hard, but Wenger maintains that is all part and parcel of having a successful squad.

"I know before they go that statistically you lose a player," he said.

"So I am not frustrated because I know that is part of the game when they go on international duty."

Wenger added: "The only thing I believe is that it is a new start and that is the real start of the season because there is now no real interruptions anymore.

"It looks like to me there is a new championship starting."

Given the injury problems Arsenal have in defence, it is expected veteran Mikael Silvestre will make a belated debut following his transfer from Manchester United.

Now fully match-fit again after a thigh problem, Wenger believes the Frenchman can bring a bit of steel to a backline which has looked particularly vulnerable from set-plays this season.

"He is ready to compete for a place and is ready to play," said Wenger.

"I believe he can help us to solve that [set-plays problem] because he is a committed player and good in the air.

"He throws his body in where some other people don't.

"I am convinced he can give us something on that front which is needed in the team."