Arsene Wenger’s attacking options have received another blow after an injury to YayaSanogo which has left Arsenal with only one fit recognized centre-forward.
Sanogo – who was considered to be Arsenal’s second-choice centre forward –came back from under-21 duty with a back strain.
The 20-year-old will undergo intensive treatment at the club’s London Colney HQ in order to ensure his fitness for the weekend game against Sunderland.
The injury means Olivier Giroud is the club’s only available centre-forward for Saturday’s clash; Luka Podolski is out for three months with a hamstring tear while Nicklas Bendtner is way short of match fitness.
Wenger may consider using England international Theo Walcott in a central position, while 17-year old ChubaAkpom could come into contention.
On the upside, Thomas Vermaelen has resumed full training. The club captain has missed the start of the season due to a lower back problem but resumed light training at the end of last month.
The player has now stepped up his fitness sessions and will take part in majority of the first-team sessions between now and the end of the week before taking a full part from Monday.