Arsenal may have no choice but to delay Mesut Ozil’s debut after the player missed training through an illness on Friday.
Arsene Wenger will make a late decision on whether to field the German international against Sunderland on Saturday.
Ozil – together with countryman Per Mertesacker – arrived at the club’s training ground this morning feeling under the weather and were immediately told to sit out training.
He is expected to travel with his team-mates to Sunderland, but club medics will assess his fitness in the morning before deciding how much of a part, if any, he will have in the clash.
If he doesn’t play then Ozil is likely to make his full debut against Marseille in the Champion’s League on Wednesday or in the home game against Stoke next Saturday.
Czech international Tomas Rosicky (thigh) is out of Saturday’s game following an injury on international duty, as is France Under 21 forward Yaya Sanogo (back). Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are expected to feature along with Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.