Per Mertesacker sprained his ankle in Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Reading.

He was replaced with Gabriel in the match and Arsene Wenger said in his press conference afterwards that it, “doesn’t look too good.”

As reported in the Telegraph, the Big F’ing German is being monitored day-to-day. However, it looks as if he may not be ready for this Sunday’s match with Premier League leaders, Chelsea.

Mathematically, Arsenal can clinch second place with a minimum of draws against Chelsea and Manchester United in addition to winning the remaining four matches with Sunderland, Hull City, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.

Continuing Arsenal’s defensive resurgence will be critical to achieving this over the closing stretch. This is certainly true against Chelsea. Having used only 22 players all season, Jose Mourinho’s men have not been playing well of  late, and are certainly showing signs of wear and tear.

With Mertesacker out, we could feasibly see a fast, and fairly rested back four of Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal.

In the past, Santi Cazorla has received the captain’s armband as the third-backup to Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker.