Arsene Wenger had some good news.
“After being assessed by the Arsenal medical staff, the club can confirm that Kieran Gibbs has sustained severe bruising to the bones and soft tissue of his right foot.”
There is no fracture of the metatarsal as feared at first. Gibbs injury is short term and he should ready to face the highly anticipated Chelsea showdown. Now, Wenger has to fill his spot for the Sunderland match.
Armand Traore is just returning from a groin injury and his inclusion would be premature. Wenger could push Vermaelen to left back and pair up Senderos with Gallas. Or he could start Mikael Silvestre. The last option sounds distinctly unappealing.
Wenger also gets back Denilson, Vela, and Fabianski for the Sunderland match. There is a possibility that Abou Diaby also maybe ready in time.