Walcott returns, van Persie out for Gunners

Arsenal will be without striker Robin van Persie (ankle) and defender Kieran Gibbs (foot) for the Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland, but welcome back England forward Theo Walcott from a knee problem.

Nicklas Bendtner (groin) is not yet match fit, so Croatia marksman Eduardo is likely to lead the attack while veteran defender Mikael Silvestre is set to fill in at left-back.

Midfielder Denilson, Mexican forward Carlos Vela, defender Armand Traore and England Under-21 midfielder Jack Wilshere have all recovered, with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (knee) also close to a comeback, but Abou Diaby (calf), Gael Clichy (back) and Johan Djourou (knee) remain sidelined.

Team (from): Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Silvestre, Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Eduardo, Fabianski, Vela, Traore, Eboue, Denilson, Ramsey, Senderos, Wilshere, Walcott.