Sunderland without two stars for Arsenal clash as Regis Le Bris sets out 'uncomfortable plan'

Arsenal travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday and the Black Cats are set to be without two players for the game at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland are set to be without two players for their Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Black Cats host Mikel Arteta's side on Saturday night, looking to repeat or better last season's 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.

After starting the season with a defeat at promoted Ipswich Town, Sunderland have recovered to beat Fulham, draw at Brentford and get past Hull City in the Carabao Cup.

Regis Le Bris is set to select from the same group of players from the last two matches as Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra are still unavailable for selection after suffering injuries in the Fulham win.

"Romaine has a knee injury, which is a shame because he had a good pre-season," Le Bris said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. "We will support him and hope he is ready by the end of the year."

Meanwhile, Diarra is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined until after the first international break of the season, missing the next two Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as the home clash with AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

"Habib is in the middle of his recovery," Le Bris added.

Arsenal have enjoyed a fine start to the season. They have won each of their opening four matches across all competitions, three in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.

When asked about the Gunners, Le Bris acknowledged that they are "one of the best teams in Europe" but believes his side will make the game as "uncomfortable" and "difficult" as possible.

Le Bris said: "They are one of the best teams in Europe and are on a strong run. To be competitive in this kind of game, we have to be ourselves. Our underdog mentality, togetherness and connection with the fans is crucial.

"We have to have clarity in our game model, because they have so much flexibility. We have to make it as uncomfortable and as difficult as possible for Arsenal, but we know they have many threats."

After beating Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea to start their Premier League campaign with a 100 per cent record, the Gunners went to Napoli and won 1-0 on Wednesday. Martin Odegaard's second-half strike proved to be the difference as Arsenal made it four victories in a row so far this season.