Arsene Wenger has admitted his team is a little thin for the trip to Preston
Arsenal take on Preston at Deepdale on Saturday (5.30pm) in the FA Cup Third Round but have a squad decimated by injuries.
The Gunners will be without influential midfielders Mesut Ozil and Francis Coquelin, as well as Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott.
And Arsene Wenger has admitted he will be resting Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech and could be forced into leaving Lucas Perez out with an ankle problem.
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Alexis Sanchez will be rested for the game against Preston, claims Arsene Wenger
Five things you need to know about Lucas Perez
“We might have a problem with Lucas Perez because he injured his ankle. We will see how he responds to that,” Wenger said.
“Coming back, the closest is Walcott but he is still not ready.
“Kieran Gibbs is not ready, so I don’t think anyone is coming back. Coquelin and Ozil are both out.
“We play with 90 per cent of the squad. We rest Koscielny because he came off with problems in his thigh.
“David Ospina will play, but maybe Sanchez I will rest as well, but everyone else will play.”
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Alexis Sanchez will be rested for the game against Preston
The Gunners head into the game in fine form following back-to-back wins over West Brom and Crystal Palace, as well as a 3-3 comeback against Bournemouth.
Preston sit comfortably in mid table in the Championship, having lost just twice in their last 10 league outings.
