Vieira back for Gunners

Arsenal welcome back captain Patrick Vieira from suspension for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership clash against Portsmouth, but Ashley Cole is doubtful and Fredrik Ljungberg will again not be available.

England left-back Cole has not trained this week after picking up a knee injury during the draw with Chelsea. Gael Clichy is on stand-by.

Ljungberg has been ruled out of the last two matches because of migraines, but following medical tests is set to resume full training next week.

Manuel Almunia is expected to keep his place in goal ahead of Jens Lehmann, but Pascal Cygan (back), Edu (toe) and Gilberto Silva (back) are all out injured. Jermaine Pennant (hamstring) is also a doubt.

Provisional Squad: Lehmann, Almunia, Lauren, Hoyte, Cole, Clichy, Campbell, Toure, Senderos, Fabregas, Flamini, Vieira, Pires, Reyes, Ljungberg, Pennant, van Persie, Henry, Bergkamp.