Arsenal keeper Stuart Taylor will miss the rest of the season because of a persistent shoulder problem.
The 23-year-old's season has been dogged by the injury which has seen him limited to only four appearances on the bench and a handful of reserve games.
"It is terrible and the injury is a very difficult one for a keeper because it is the shoulder," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website.
"We're lucky to have Rami Shaaban otherwise we would be very short."
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Graham Stack has stepped up as Jens Lehmann's number two, starting in five Carling Cup matches.
Shaaban has struggled to force his way back into contention after recovering from a broken leg.