Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs doubtful for Marseille game

Arsenal are to give fitness tests to Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs before deciding whether either player will travel to Marseille on Tuesday for the Champions League group game at Stade Vélodrome. Gibbs suffered a swollen stomach muscle on Sunday during the victory over Sunderland, a game missed by Ramsey after the Wales international complained of a slight hamstring strain. Of the two, Ramsey has the better chance of travelling. With Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby all long-term absentees, the pair's absence would further hamper Arsène Wenger's preparations for what would appear an awkward fixture. Marseille may have struggled in Ligue 1 this season – they languish in 15th place – but they have beaten Olympiakos and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League to top Group F. Arsenal, who have four points from their opening two fixtures, should at least have Tomas Rosicky fit and available despite his substitution with 13 minutes remaining in the game against Sunderland, with the experienced Czech international having conceded that the London club need to prosper in their next two matches against the French club if they are to win the group. Wenger's side had started the Champions League group stage superbly last year only to fall away badly, with their second-place finish condemning them to meet Barcelona in the first knockout phase. "Our aim must be to win the group, especially after what happened to us last year when we were not top of the group because in the last three games we messed up," said Rosicky. "It's a big away game for us, but we have what it takes to be successful. "This is another massive game against a direct contender who would like to qualify from the group as well. We want to be successful there. It looks like it will be between us, Dortmund and Marseille, so it will be a vital game for us."