Kieran Gibbs is out for Arsenal, though Olivier Giroud is likely to return to the XI. Southampton could be boosted by the potential return of Dejan Lovren against West Ham. Robbie Brady is ruled out again for Hull. Cardiff are set to be without Mark Hudson for the rest of the season, whilst Oussama Assaidi faces weeks on the sidelines for Stoke:
Arsene Wenger has ruled Kieran Gibbs out of Arsenal’s home encounter with Sunderland. The left-back has failed to recover from the hamstring problem that forced him off against Bayern Munich in midweek, though the Gunners boss has hinted at a first-team return for Olivier Giroud as part of his “refreshment plan for the weekend”.
Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez may return to Southampton’s squad for the weekend visit to Upton Park after stepping up their recoveries from ankle injuries. The Saints boss has ruled out defender Jos Hooiveld with an eye problem against the Hammers.
Gus Poyet has hinted he may leave Lee Cattermole out for Sunderland’s trip to Arsenal, with one eye on the upcoming Capital One Cup Final. Steven Fletcher is back in training for the Black Cats but is still lacking in match fitness – Poyet has yet to decide whether the Scot will be included for the Emirates clash.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has revealed that winger Oussama Assaidi will be out of action for “at least a number of weeks” after damaging knee ligaments during the Potters’ training camp in midweek. There is positive news on defender Robert Huth, with Hughes confirming that the German has returned to training as he steps up his comeback after recent knee problems. Elsewhere, Andy Wilkinson and Matty Etherington are back in contention for the trip to the Etihad after showing no ill-effects to the injuries that had sidelined them up till now.
Pepe Mel has ruled Claudio Yacob out for the weekend through injury, and the midfielder joins striker Nicolas Anelka on the sidelines for the visit of Fulham. West Brom will be boosted by the return of a trio of players though, with Jonas Olsson, Stephane Sessegnon and Billy Jones all in contention to feature at the weekend after overcoming their respective injuries.
Hull defender Liam Rosenior could return for the trip to Cardiff after missing the last game with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the club will assess both James Chester and Sone Aluko after their lengthy absences, whilst Steve Bruce is set to be without the services of Robbie Brady as he struggles with an ongoing groin problem.
Cardiff’s injury troubles have grown with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirming that club captain Mark Hudson is expected to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream as breaking news unfolds.
