Platt absent for Anfield test

DAVID PLATT looks certain to be missing again from the Arsenal side at Liverpool tonight (Sky Sports. 8

DAVID PLATT looks certain to be missing again from the Arsenal side at Liverpool tonight (Sky Sports. 8.0) after X-rays revealed a hairline fracture in his lower back.

The news of his injury which caretaker manager Stewart Houston did not hear until just 90 minutes before the start of Saturday's 2 0 home win over West Ham, caused come thing of a stir at Highbury. Houston, in charge until Frenchman Arsene Wenger arrives to take over from Bruce Rioch, said after the game. "It was very late before heard about it too late really from my point of view. I think it was a case of David having a Saturday morning lie in and not realising how bad the injury was." However, yesterday Houston said it was just a breakdown in communications Ian Wright also looks certain to be out of the starting line up again at Anfield. Houston has added David Hillier to the squad and the midfielder may take over from Steve Morrow as Platt's replacement.

Arsenal may not have to face Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler who scored hat tricks on their last two visits to Anfield. He scored in the 3-3 thriller at Middlesbrough, but was also troubled by a back problem.