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Wenger: Planning without van Persie

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Arsenal head to the Stadium of Light in fine fettle but face the first examination of their strength in depth as Robin van Persie misses a tough trip to Sunderland.

Arsene Wenger's stylish Gunners have made light of those who played down their title aspirations in the summer, as they sit pretty second in the table, five points from leaders Chelsea but with a game in hand.

However, key to much of their success has been the fine form of striker Van Persie, whose goals and set-up play have been instrumental throughout the campaign.

Which is why the sight of the technically talented striker lying prostrate with an ankle injury while on international duty last weekend will have alarmed Wenger and the club's supporters.

A trip to Sunderland is far from an easy task these days as Steve Bruce has moulded a side now looking more than capable of competing with the division's top dogs.

Having defeated Liverpool and drawn with Manchester United already this term, the Black Cats faithful will be quietly hoping for another upset at the weekend.

Sunderland news

Goalkeeper Marton Fulop is set to begin an extended run in the Sunderland side following injury to regular first choice Craig Gordon.

The Scottish custodian will be out for three months after breaking his arm in the defeat by Tottenham a fortnight ago.

Fraizer Campbell could start up front as Kenwyne Jones sits out the second match of a three-game ban while defender Michael Turner is also suspended.

Midfielder Lorik Cana returns from a ban while John Mensah (calf) and Boudewijn Zenden (hip) are back in contention. Lee Cattermole (knee) is another long-term absentee.

Arsenal news

Van Persie is set for six weeks on the sidelines, which could open the door for Eduardo da Silva to stake his claim for a regular starting berth as he is likely to compete with Nicklas Bendtner to spearhead Arsenal's attack on a regular basis.

The prognosis on the foot injury to England Under 21 defender Kieran Gibbs is, meanwhile, also now more positive.

"Our medical staff called me saying he was in hospital in Lithuania with a suspected broken metatarsal. Later on it, was much better news," said Wenger.

Gibbs had been pencilled in to replace Gael Clichy (back) on the left side of defence, but that role is now likely to be filled by veteran Mikael Silvestre.

Wenger, though, has been boosted by the availability of midfielder Denilson, the young Brazilian having been out of action since mid-September with a back problem.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, Mexican striker Carlos Vela and defender Armand Traore have also all left a busy treatment room during the international break.

However, England Under 21 midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) remains unavailable and Abou Diaby, who returned early from the France camp, is still troubled by a calf problem.

Possible starting XIs

Sunderland: Fulop, McCartney, da Silva, Mensah, Bardsley, Malbranque, Reid, Richardson, Cana, Bent, Campbell

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Gallas, Vermaelen, Ramsey, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin, Eduardo, Bendtner