Tomas Rosicky and Yaya Sanogo have joined the long list of Arsenal men out for this weekend’s clash with Sunderland.

Sanogo, on the same day that he vowed to “toughen up” in order to be a success in the Premier League, was injured while on international duty with France while Rosicky was substituted in the first half of the Czech Republic’s game with Italy.

It’s a no-go

20-year-old new signing Yaya Sanogo was away with the French U21 squad playing Kazakhstan when he picked up a back injury which will require “extensive treatment”, meaning he will play no part in the weekend game with Sunderland, and leaving Arsene Wenger with just 1 fit senior striker at the club.

Sanogo had commented on his desire to be a success in the English game, including improving his physical attributes:

"I think I'll have to toughen up and improve my strength, that's part and parcel of such an intense league as the Premier League, as well as getting used to the step up, which it is from the French league."

Oliver Giroud, who has impressed hugely since the beginning of the Premier League, is likely to be joined by Chuba Akpom who made numerous appearances during pre-season and so is in line for a first team call-up.

Midfield shortage

16-year-old Gedion Zelalem will also fail to make the first team squad despite making the bench for the North London Derby win, after he tweeted that he would miss a big part of the season through injury without revealing any extensive details:

“Out for 6-8 weeks , Will try to use that to my benefit and get stronger.”

Midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta as well as Podolski, Vermaelen and Sanogo are now also likely to be joined by Czech Republic midfielder Rosicky too.

As aforementioned he was brought off during the first half of his country’s 2-1 defeat to Italy as the winners booked their place at Brazil 2014 in Turin.

Rosicky, who had impressed towards the start of the season in a midfield including Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott and a rejuvenated Aaron Ramsey, has an unknown leg injury which is a huge blow for Arsene Wenger.

However with Mesut Ozil available as back up, the future looks bright for the Gunners.

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