Koscielny back for Gunners
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny will return from a one-match domestic suspension for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash against north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.
Midfielder Mathieu Flamini is likely to go straight into the squad having rejoined his old club this week on a free transfer from AC Milan, as Aaron Ramsey (groin) has recovered, but forward Lukas Podolski is set for up to three months out with a torn hamstring.
Defender Thomas Vermaelen (back) and midfielder Mikel Arteta (thigh) continue their rehabilitation, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee).
Manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his squad to show their true value against their big -spending rivals.
While Spurs' star man Gareth Bale is on the verge of a multi-million pound move to Real Madrid, they have nevertheless smashed the club transfer record three times this summer bringing in the likes of Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli and Roberto Soldado, with the signing of Romanian defender Vlad Chiriches from Steaua Bucharest confirmed on Friday.
Tottenham's summer spending spree passed the B#90million mark when they completed the signing of Erik Lamela from Roma while the club announced on Friday night they had reached an agreement with Ajax over the transfer of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen.
By contrast, Wenger has completed only the free transfers of Flamini and France Under-21 striker Yaya Sanogo.
Arsenal are, though, expected to be late movers ahead of the September 2 deadline - with Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria of Real Madrid said to be top of the wanted list.
Wenger, however, insists his men can show they are more than a match for Spurs' new big-money signings by continuing on from the wins over Fulham and Fenerbahce following an opening day home defeat by Aston Villa.
"I can understand that it is very interesting for people to read the newspapers and see who goes in and out, but there is only one thing that matters if you really love football - and that is what happens on the pitch," said Wenger.
"We have a way to play, good players and let's focus on that.
"It's a good opportunity for us to show our strengths against Tottenham because they have as well strengthened their team.
"I am confident that we will have a very good performance."
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is a doubt as he is struggling with a foot injury.
Andre Villas-Boas is convinced his have what it takes to overcome Arsenal as he prepares for his first derby without Bale.
"We have the quality to go there and win," the Tottenham manager said.
"I think we will set up to try to win the game and hopefully achieve the result we want."
Source: DSG
Source: DSG