Arsenal are gearing up for one match that will make or break their season, as the FA Cup final with London rivals Chelsea is just days away- but the Gunners preparations have been hit hard by a wealth of defensive worries.

Shkodran Mustafi remains a doubt with concussion, after missing the Premier League’s finale against Everton, and Laurent Koscielny’s red card in that clash means he’s unavailable this weekend- and Gabriel Paulista is also set to miss out after being stretchered off in the victory over the Toffees.

The absence of that trio means Arsenal’s defensive line has been significantly weakened and it’s likely that the defensive trio this weekend, should Arsenal continue with a three-man defence, will consist of Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal and Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal’s skipper made his first appearance of the season when he came off the bench to replace the injured Gabriel at the weekend and he’ll be put to the sword by Chelsea this weekend, who boast the attacking talents of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Pedro Rodriguez, amongst others.

Former Arsenal defender Paul Merson has highlighted the problems that the Gunners could endure this weekend with Mertesacker playing centrally and he told Sky Sports that he fears the worst for his former side.

‘If both teams had brought their A game then Chelsea would still have won, but with Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel out, Shkodran Mustafi potentially out and Per Mertesacker playing at the back I would be shocked if Arsenal got a result,’

‘Arsenal need to have their best defenders playing to have any chance and they haven’t. Mertesacker is going to be crucial for Arsenal if he plays; he will have to play very well if Arsenal are to have any chance.’

‘If he doesn’t play well then Chelsea are going to cut through Arsenal like a knife through butter. The Arsenal defenders are going to have to have their best games of the season. If they can do that then you never know.’

Arsenal were already ranked as outsiders ahead of the clash with Chelsea, who are pursuing a domestic double after lifting the Premier League title last weekend, and the loss of key defenders is a huge concern for the Gunners.

Mertesacker’s lack of playing time this season could certainly be exploited by the Blues, if they’re at their best, and even an under-par Chelsea side will be difficult for Arsenal to build- and the pressure is on Mertesacker to perform.

Arsenal can expect to find the net with their array of attacking stars but it will all count for nothing if they’re breached at the other end of the field, which makes for a concerning few days for Arsenal supporters.