Per
Mertesacker looks set to be ruled out of Arsenal’s derby against
Chelsea although the defender has escaped any serious ankle ligament
damage.
Mertesacker, captain during the long absence of Mikel
Arteta, limped off during the second half of the FA Cup semi-final
against Reading at Wembley on Saturday.
There
were fears of a serious injury for the 6ft 6in German after he twisted
the joint but subsequent scans have shown it is a minor sprain.
He
is not expected to be fit in time for Sunday, however, and likely to be
replaced at centre-half by Gabriel Paulista, who has started three
times in the Barclays Premier League since he was signed in January from
Villarreal.
Chelsea come into the match with a 10-point lead
over their London rivals and will need to capitulate in spectacular
fashion to not take the Premier League title.
Second-placed Arsenal, on 66 points, lead Manchester United on 65 and Manchester City on 64.
Credit: Matt Lawless/SportsMail
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