WANDERERS, who went into the Christmas fixtures looking relatively comfortable in the top half of the table, are now just four points above the relegation zone.

"The injury (to Ricardo Gardner) and the suspension (Per Frandsen) will deplete the squad," manager Sam Allardyce acknowledged.

"With all the games coming up -- in the FA Cup, the Carling Cup semi-finals and the Premiership -- it is hoped we don't pick up any more.

"We must have enough players to keep this level of performance going."