Fabregas expected back for Arsenal

Arsenal expect to have captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) back for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Middlesbrough, along with several other first-team players.

Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring), Robin van Persie (thigh) and the rested Emmanuel Adebayor also missed the midweek Champions League trip to Porto but should be available again, along with defender Bacary Sagna if he shakes off a virus in time.

Defender Kolo Toure (calf) and midfielder Samir Nasri (ankle) remain sidelined, along with Eduardo (leg) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).

Provisional Squad: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Silvestre, Sagna, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas, Eboue, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs, Song, Vela, Bendtner, Ramsey, Wilshere.