Wenger hoping for treble boost

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to have Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and possibly Santi Cazorla back in contention for the trip to Sunderland.Striker Giroud and midfielder Ramsey are definitely in contention to face the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light, while playmaker Cazorla faces a late test on an Achilles problem.

And Wenger is well aware of the importance to his side of Spain international Cazorla, who was absent for the goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough last weekend in the Premier League.

He told reporters: “When Santi is out we miss the pass from deep midfield to high midfield – security on the ball, getting out of pressure.

“When we are getting closed down, he gets you out of tight situations and creates openings for the team.”

Wenger also confirmed that both Theo Walcott and Nacho Monreal are doubts for the trip to Wearside due to leg muscle problems, while the Frenchman is less than impressed at having lost summer signing Lucas Perez for up to two months due to an ankle problem.

Having seen Perez injured during the 2-0 midweek win over Reading in the League Cup, Wenger added: “It is very frustrating, Perez has worked very hard to get there and now he is absolutely gutted.

“It is an injury that has come from nowhere and it is a stupid one.

“It (the challenge) was not needed. Sometimes you get away with it, sometimes you get a bad injury and it is unfortunate.”

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six league visits to Sunderland, but a run of four consecutive wins at the Stadium of Light was ended in April when the game finished in a goalless draw.

Another scoreless game on Saturday is available at 14/1, while Arsenal are 6/5 to keep a clean sheet and are priced at 7/1 to secure a 2-0 victory over a Sunderland side who have yet to win a league game this season.

Source: bet365.com