Walcott back for Gunners

Theo Walcott returned to the Arsenal squad for the first time this season following a side strain against Blackburn at Emirates Stadium.

Striker Nicklas Bendtner was also on the bench having recovered from minor injuries after a car crash.

Young goalkeeper Vito Mannone continued to deputise for Manuel Almunia, who has been struggling with a chest infection.

Full-back Bacary Sagna returned to the starting XI, replacing Emmanuel Eboue in the only change from the midweek Champions League win over Olympiacos.

Blackburn brought in Martin Olsson and Gael Givet to replace injured defensive duo Ryan Nelsen and Chris Samba, while Vince Grella was suspended after his sending-off against Aston Villa, so Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews came in.

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas, Song Billong, Diaby, Rosicky, van Persie, Arshavin. Subs: Szczesny, Walcott, Ramsey, Silvestre, Eboue, Gibbs, Bendtner.

Blackburn: Robinson, Jacobsen, Givet, Chimbonda, Olsson, Emerton, Andrews, Nzonzi, Diouf, Dunn, Di Santo. Subs: Brown, McCarthy, Pedersen, Kalinic, Hoilett, Salgado, Jones.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)