Wenger: I may have to pick my battles

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he may soon have to prioritise which competitions are most important for the Gunners this season.

The Gunners face a fixture congestion following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Bolton in the FA Cup fourth round and they must go to the Reebok Stadium for a replay on February 14 - a date already earmarked for a rearranged home Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester City.

"I will see when we play and which players I will use, because at the moment it is important not to lose too many players," said Wenger.

"First of all you want your good players to be with you and we do have important games coming up. If we continue to lose players, I will have to choose what we go for."

Brazilian Julio Baptista was the latest player to pick up an injury, with his groin problem now making the attacker a doubt for Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham.

With leading scorer Robin van Persie already out with a potentially season-ending injury the rest of the season and several other first-choice players struggling, Wenger admits he cannot afford to see his squad depleted further.

Asked whether the situation could force his hand in the transfer market, the Arsenal manager said: "That is a good question. I cannot give you an answer. I do not think so. We have lost now van Persie, and will see what Baptista has."

Wenger accepted: "I would see that as a panic buy because it was not planned."

Arsenal were forced to come from behind for the 10th time at their new home this season when Bolton skipper Kevin Nolan fired the visitors ahead five minutes into the second half.

After that setback, the Gunners immediately upped the tempo and were level through Kolo Toure's header on 77 minutes, but were unable to conjure an equaliser.