Arsenal hit by double injury blow with Santi Cazorla doubtful for Sunderland trip and Lucas Perez out for weeks

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Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Santi Cazorla for this weekend's trip to bottom club Sunderland.

And in a double blow, summer signing Lucas Perez is also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Cazorla hasn't played since last weekend's Champions League stroll against Ludogorets, missing the goalless draw against Middlesbrough the EFL Cup win over Reading.

Arsenal have been dealt a double injury blow with Santi Cazorla (left) and Lucas Perez out

Cazorla has been back in training, but is still a doubt for Sunderland, while Perez is injured

The diminutive Spanish midfielder picked up an injury during the 6-0 win over Ludogorets

And the influential Spaniard is set to miss the trip to the Stadium of Light with the problem.

With Granit Xhaka suspended for the clash, Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin are likely to start in central midfield.

Perez, though, is certain to miss the clash against the relegation-threatened Black Cats after injuring ankle ligaments against Reading.

And the forward is unlikely to return until the end of next month at the earliest, though the club are not putting a definitive time-scale on his return.

The return to fitness of centre-forward Olivier Giroud will ease pressure on the club's striking options with Danny Welbeck and now Perez on the sidelines.

And in further positive news Wenger hopes he can call on Aaron Ramsey for Saturday's clash.

The Welshman, who has missed two months with a hamstring injury, could travel with the rest of the squad as they take the train up to the north-east later today.

Perez limped off in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, and has damaged his ankle ligaments

The striker will be unlikely to play again before the end of next month because of the injury

Perez has not been a regular for the Gunners since signing, but losing him is still a blow