Arsenal v Blackburn preview

Published Apr. 1, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Arsenal will welcome back captain Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), England winger Theo Walcott (ankle) as well midfielders Alex Song (knee) and Abou Diaby (groin). Holland striker Robin van Persie (thigh) has shaken off a minor knock suffered during international duty, as has Nicklas Bendtner (ankle). Manuel Almunia is set to continue in goal ahead of veteran Jens Lehmann, but Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Denilson (toe) miss out along with defenders Johan Djourou (shoulder) and Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles). Midfielder David Dunn returns to Blackburn's squad having missed the last three matches with a hip injury. Captain Chris Samba sat out a week of training because of a back problem but is fit to feature at the Emirates. Defender Gael Givet serves the final match of his suspension, while midfielder Vince Grella has been ruled out for the rest of the season after an Achilles operation. Keith Andrews is back in training after an infection following a groin operation. Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Wilshere, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Van Persie, Lehmann, Walcott, Chamakh, Miquel, Eboue, Bendtner, Rosicky, Diaby. Blackburn (from): Robinson, Nelsen, Samba, Olsson, Salgado, J Jones, Emerton, Dunn, P Jones, Nzonzi, Hoilett, Santa Cruz, Biram Diouf, Bunn, Roberts, Pedersen, Hanley, Kalinic, Rochina, Formica, Benjani.