Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is likely to miss this weekend's crunch clash with Chelsea.

The German centre-half suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup semi-final win over Reading on Saturday and is now in major doubt to get up for the home meeting with the Premier League leaders this Sunday.

Mertesacker has been cleared of any ligament damage but it is believed that he will not be passed fit in time for the Emirates Stadium fixture for which he will be replaced by Gabriel Paulista.

The Gunners currently sit 10 points behind champions-elect Chelsea with six fixtures remaining.