Vermaelen returns for Gunners

Arsenal expect to have captain Thomas Vermaelen back from a virus for tomorrow’s showdown against Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

First-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (ankle) remains sidelined.

Emmanuel Frimpong returned to action from a long-term knee injury for the midweek Capital One Cup win over Coventry, but, along with fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle), will sharpen his fitness in the Under-21s game on Monday.

Czech winger Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and defender Bacary Sagna (broken leg) are expected to feature within the next fortnight.

Provisional Squad: Mannone, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Cazorla, Diaby, Arteta, Gervinho, Podolski, Giroud, Martinez, Walcott, Coquelin, Santos, Djourou, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Koscielny, Arshavin.