Diaby and Vermaelen not travelling to Sunderland

Arsenal will again be without midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) for the trip toSunderland.

England youngster Jack Wilshere is pressing to retain his starting place alongside captain Cesc Fabregas, while wingerTomas Rosicky and England full-back Kieran Gibbs could be involved having sat out the midweek 6-0 Champions League victory over Braga as manager Arsene Wenger considers rotating the squad.

Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie (both ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) remain out.