Arsenal captain William Gallas has called on his team-mates to remain strong in the battle for the Barclays Premier League crown and declared "everything is in our hands".
The Gunners head into Saturday's clash with Birmingham at Emirates Stadium looking to keep in front of Manchester United and Chelsea, who they lead by two and six points respectively.
However, Arsene Wenger has something of a selection dilemma, notably in defence, with injuries from the midweek Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham putting further strain on a squad which was already without African Nations Cup trio Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Alexandre Song.
Centre-back Gallas should return to the side having been rested for the FA Cup game at Burnley and again on Wednesday night, when Arsenal fought back to draw 1-1.
The Gunners skipper is in no doubt his men have the character for a sustained assault on honours.
"The fact we are still top sends a message that we are strong, but we know that Manchester United and also Chelsea are still there also," said the France defender.
"It will be close all season, but we must realise everything is in our hands."
Gallas added: "I hope to be back in the team for the Birmingham game, and I think that we will be really fresh for that, having missed the last couple of games.
"We still have a long way to go this season and I am sure everybody will be ready for it, because we have to be."
Wenger looks set to be forced into changes at the back.
With Gallas's natural partner Toure away, Philippe Senderos could come in - if he recovers from a knee injury suffered against Spurs - as Johan Djourou (groin) misses out. However, Justin Hoyte, Bacary Sagna and veteran midfielder Gilberto are all other defensive options for Wenger.
Theo Walcott, who netted the late equaliser on Wednesday, has recovered from a knock on his ankle, but Robin van Persie is ruled out with a virus.
"Djourou is out, but Senderos has not been completely assessed by the medical staff yet. We will know more about him on Friday," the Arsenal manager said.
"The options are those who played against Spurs, or Gilberto or Sagna. So we have players. Everyone else is all right."
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether veteran keeper Jens Lehmann will feature in the squad as negotiations continue over a proposed move to Borussia Dortmund.
Unsettled Frenchman Lassana Diarra, who only arrived at Arsenal from Chelsea in August, may now be allowed to leave after not making the squad in midweek.
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