With Frank Lampard limping his way back to Blighty after a trip on some sort of 1950s bi-plane and John Terry also now an injury doubt, you could argue that England's plans for the friendly with Brazil are in tatters.
Fabio Capello knew he was already without Steven Gerrard and David James when he named the squad, while Glen Johnson withdrew before the side headed off to the Middle East. This means that England will take on the five times world champions without at least five certain starters.
But does this matter? Not really.
Firstly, we have to remember that this game is taking place eight months before the start of the World Cup finals. This game was always going to be one where Capello would experiment and the withdrawals are just giving him more players to look at.
Also, it's not as if Capello is scratching his head to discover his best XI. After nine wins out of 10 in qualifying, the Italian knows who he will choose to line up in the first game of the finals.
In fact, he pretty much knows 15 or 16 of his World Cup squad.
Which means these next few months are all about deciding which six or seven players will fill out the rest of the squad going to South Africa.
There will be time towards the end of the season when the best XI will be sent out together again, but for now experimentation is the key.
Which is why players such as James Milner, Wes Brown, Gary Cahill and Tom Huddlestone will be chomping at the bit to get some time on the pitch at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
At best these players have a 50/50 chance of making next summer's squad. They know club performances are vital to stay in the frame, but spending a week with Capello impressing first in training and then on the pitch against Brazil will be far more effective for booking their place.
Capello would obviously like to end what's been a successful year with a victory in such a prestigious game, but it will be what he's learnt about his players in the last few days which could be more important.
Time to have your say
Once again you will be able to watch England v Brazil live on ITV.com on Saturday afternoon - but for the first time we are inviting you to get involved.
From the start of our programme at 4.15pm we will be running a live online debate which will continue throughout the game and for 30 minutes after the final whistle.
It's your chance to have your say on the action on the pitch and also how England are shaping up for South Africa. We look forward to your comments.
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