Vermaelen set to face Blues

Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is expected to be available for Arsenal’s Barclays Premier League trip to Chelsea tomorrow.

The Belgian defender limped out of the midweek Carling Cup win over Bolton on what was his return from an ankle injury, but that proved to be nothing more than cramp in his calf.

Full-back Carl Jenkinson (knee) faces a late fitness test, but Kieran Gibbs (stomach) remains out, along with midfielders Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere and full-back Bacary Sagna (all ankle).

Provisional squad: Szczesny, Santos, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Walcott, Song, Ramsey, Arteta, Van Persie, Gervinho, Fabianski, Rosicky, Park, Benayoun, Frimpong, Chamakh, Djourou, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Miyaichi.