Vermaelen poised for Gunners comeback

Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is set to return for Arsenal after nine months out with a niggling Achilles problem in the Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Captain Cesc Fabregas (thigh) and midfielder Samir Nasri (hamstring) face late fitness tests. Abou Diaby (calf) and Tomas Rosicky (thigh) are also out.

However, full-back Gael Clichy is available again after missing the defeat at Stoke with a hamstring problem.

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