Preview: Arsenal v Blackburn February 09 2008
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini hopes to shrug off a slight thigh problem picked up on international duty with France in time to face Blackburn in the Barclays Premier League on Monday night.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (thumb) and midfielder Gilberto (back) are expected to be available after missing the win at Manchester City, while winger Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) could also return.
Forward Robin van Persie (thigh) remains short of match fitness, as do Johan Djourou (groin) and Denilson (hamstring). Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song are all on international duty at the African Nations Cup.
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has major selection problems ahead, with three players suspended and a number of others struggling with injury.
Centre-back Christopher Samba serves the second game of a two-match ban, with midfielders David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen also sidelined after incurring too many bookings.
Holland defender Andre Ooijer (hamstring) and the Republic of Ireland's Steven Reid (knee) withdrew from midweek international duty, while Ryan Nelsen's hamstring problem is expected to keep him out.
Matt Derbyshire's girlfriend is expecting twins any time so that could affect the striker's participation, although Aaron Mokoena could be available after returning from the African Nations Cup.
Squads:
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo, Lehmann, Bendtner, Traore, Walcott, J Hoyte, Rosicky, Gilberto.
Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Derbyshire, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Roberts, Berner, Olsson, Rigters, Treacy, Tugay, Brown, Mokoena.