Nasri set to face Baggies

Samri Nasri could make his full Arsenal debut when the Barclays Premier League season kicks off against new boys West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium tomorrow lunchtime.

The £12m summer signing from Marseille missed the midweek Champions League qualifier against FC Twente because of a niggling thigh and knee complaint, but is expected to be in contention to face the Baggies.

The return of the attack-minded Frenchman, who can play wide or just behind the strikers, will be a welcome boost for manager Arsene Wenger, who has seen his midfield options depleted by injury.

Neither first-choice pairing Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) or Abou Diaby (thigh) will be available for the start of the new domestic campaign, so youngsters Aaron Ramsey, 17, and Denilson, 20, look set for another chance to impress in the centre having started the European tie at the Gelredome.

Wenger said: “They both gave a lot against Twente.

“The game on Saturday morning comes very quickly, but in fairness I am not in a position where I can make many changes at the moment.”

The Arsenal manager is hopeful Euro 2008 winner Fabregas will be back by the end of the month, but the short-term prognosis on Diaby is not so positive.

He told Arsenal TV On-Line: “A reasonable target for Fabregas is the second leg of the Champions League game, but Diaby will take four to six weeks.”

Wenger will continue his search to bring at least one more fresh face, probably a defensive midfielder, to the squad before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Fringe full-back Justin Hoyte is set for talks with Middlesbrough after the Gunners agreed a fee.

Wenger is now close to finalising his squad for the campaign ahead – one which is expected to be boosted by the return of Czech winger Tomas Rosicky and possibly even striker Eduardo before Christmas, as the Croatian steps up his rehabilitation from a broken leg.

Nevertheless, captain William Gallas – who scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win over the Dutch side coached by former England boss Steve McClaren – has every confidence the young Gunners can again prove they are up to the task tomorrow against last season’s Coca-Cola Championship winners.

“They have got the control and they have got the quality and if they play for Arsenal then that means they are very good,” said the veteran France defender, who turns 31 on Sunday.

“I am happy for them because when I was the same age as them I don’t think I was at a big club like Arsenal and it is a joy to work with them everyday.”

Centre-half Kolo Toure could return against the Baggies following a bout of malaria and a hip problem, however Philippe Senderos (hamstring) and summer signing Amaury Bischoff (groin) are still recovering.