Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has provided updates regarding the fitness of trio Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez ahead of the Gunners’ clash against Southampton.

Arsenal continued their fine run of form with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth during the weekend and now the Gunners turn their attention towards the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, where they square off Southampton in a quarter final clash at the Emirates Stadium.

One can be sure that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be keen on his side claiming a victory from the encounter but at the same time, the Frenchman will be tempted to rest a host of his key players on the night – especially with the games coming in thick and fast..

The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny and Petr Cech among others are expected to be rested and fringe players such as Gabriel Paulista, Rob Holding, Emiliano Martinez and Kieran Gibbs are set to be handed their opportunity to start.

The trio of Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez would also have been certain starters for the EFL Cup encounter but injury problems have put their prospective participation for the clash in doubt.

Perez to return against Southampton

Speaking ahead of the game, Wenger has gone on to provide an update regarding the trio and has explained that Giroud and Debuchy are definitely ruled out but Perez is in contention to feature after recovering from his ankle injury.

Wenger told Arsenal.com, “Mathieu has a scan today [Tuesday] but we don’t have the results yet. Lucas is in the squad and will have a mixture of youth and experience, but still 90 per cent of the first-team squad.”

Perez has managed to make a quicker than anticipated return to full fitness and the Spaniard will surely be keen on impressing on the night.