Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia remains sidelined with a wrist injury and will miss the Premier League clash with Reading at the Emirates Stadium.

Midfielder Abou Diaby is available again following a three-match ban for his red card at Bolton, as is youngster Denilson, who had been out with a hamstring problem.

However, neither midfielder Mathieu Flamini nor full-back Bacary Sagna (ankle) are match fit, while Justin Hoyte (hamstring) is also out along with Tomas Rosicky (knee) and long-term absentee Eduardo.

Reading manager Steve Coppell has no new injury worries.

Winger Glen Little is set to start after more than a year out with a heel problem and skipper Graeme Murty is back in contention following a knee injury.

Utility man Brynjar Gunnarsson is available again following groin surgery and teenage winger James Henry will be hoping to be involved after Coppell promised changes from the side that flopped at home to Fulham last week.