Chelsea’s attack could have fun against Per Mertesacker (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal legend Paul Merson expects Chelsea pair Diego Costa and Eden Hazard to run rings around Per Mertesacker in this weekend’s FA Cup final.

The Gunners are facing an injury crisis in defence ahead of the game, with Gabriel and Shkodran Mustafi both out, while Laurent Koscielny is suspended following a red card last weekend.

Merson fears for his old side at Wembley, claiming that Mertesacker, who has been out injured for much of the season, ‘can’t run’ and will be an obvious target for Antonio Conte’s side.

Mertesacker has missed most of this season through injury (Picture: Getty)

‘Chelsea could be looking at a big win in the FA Cup final because I fear for Arsenal with so many defenders injured,’ Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star.

‘Even if some of them make it back in time to play, how fit will they be after missing training? It’s mission impossible.

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‘Per Mertesacker hasn’t started a game all season. He can’t run. But Arsene Wenger won’t change his tactics. He won’t try to shut up shop.

‘He’ll leave his defenders exposed, open the game up and hope for the best. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa could tear them to shreds.’

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