Thomas Vermaelen faces fitness race

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen faces a race to be fit for Sunday's game against Manchester United.

The Belgian is said to be carrying an ankle knock ahead of his side's trip to Old Trafford and will undergo a fitness test before the match.

The Gunners are already facing defensive problems, with injuries to Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci, while midfielders Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong are all missing.

Arsene Wenger's side have yet to win this season, drawing and losing their first two games against Newcastle United and Liverpool, respectively.