Flamini should be fine

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.

Provisional squad: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo, Lehmann, Bendtner, Traore, Walcott, J Hoyte, Rosicky, Gilberto.