Wouldn’t it be nice to have a full squad for once? It probably rarely happens at any club, but we seem to have borne our fair share of crocks this year. There are Lauren and Diaby for starters, neither of whom can have enjoyed 2006 too much.

Now we’ve got Henry – very publicly – ruled out for some time, and joining him for a spot of extended physio action is Tom Rosicky, hamstrung for three wings with a hamstring.

That’s two from the middle and one up front, but not to be outdone, the defence could be three light with Toure suspended (I think), Gallas a maybe (also hamstrung – might be back, might not) and of course, poor old Lauren. That could leave a Swiss double-act of Senderos and Djourou, something that ordinarily might be fine, but in the current pecking order represents our third and fourth choice centre-backs.

No need to worry about that tonight though, of course, as tomorrow it’s Porto away. Avoid defeat and we go through. It’s not as easy as it sounds, unless we do a secret pact with Porto, which would of course be desirable, if slightly illegal and ethically squiffy.