Vermaelen set for Gunners return

Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen could return for Arsenal after nine months out with a niggling Achilles problem in the Barclays Premier League clash at Stoke on Sunday.

Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring) and defender Johan Djourou (ankle) face fitness tests.

However, captain Cesc Fabregas (thigh), Samir Nasri (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (calf) are all still out.

Team (from): Szczesny, Clichy, Gibbs, Djourou, Squillaci, Koscielny, Sagna, Walcott, Song, Arshavin, Ramsey, Wilshere, van Persie, Lehmann, Eboue, Chamakh, Bendtner, Vermaelen, Denilson.