Gunners wait on Alumnia

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (wrist) faces a late fitness test ahead of Arsenal’s Barclays Premier League clash with relegation-battlers Reading at Emirates Stadium.

Midfielder Abou Diaby is available again following a three-match ban for his red card at Bolton, as is youngster Denilson, who had been out with a hamstring problem.

However, neither midfielder Mathieu Flamini nor full-back Bacary Sagna (ankle) are match fit, while Justin Hoyte (hamstring) is also out along with Tomas Rosicky (knee) and long-term absentee Eduardo.

Provisional squad: Lehmann, Toure, Gallas, Song, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Gilberto, Hleb, van Persie, Adebayor, Almunia, Fabianski, Senderos, Walcott, Bendtner, Djourou, Denilson, Diaby.