Arsenal will be without leading scorer Robin van Persie (groin) for the visit of Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday, but goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle), striker Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) and defender Johan Djourou (knee) could all be available again.

Left-back Gael Clichy (back) is facing a battle to be fit for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Centre-half William Gallas (knee) remain sidelined, while long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky will also miss the rest of the campaign.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will welcome midfielder Gary O'Neil back from suspension.

O'Neil is back following two games on the sidelines after reaching 10 bookings for the season.

French midfielder Didier Digard, who has been out for two months with quadricep and medial ligament injuries, could be involved after playing 65 minutes for the reserves in midweek, but Chris Riggott ankle) is a doubt and Emanuel Pogatetz (knee) remains on the casualty list.

Teams:

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs, Arshavin, Song, Fabregas, Walcott, Eduardo, Bendtner, Fabianski, Djourou, Diaby, Denilson, Nasri, Vela, Ramsey, Eboue, Adebayor.

Middlesbrough (from): Jones, Turnbull, Hoyte, McMahon, Taylor, Grounds, Wheater, Riggott, Huth, Hines, Aliadiere, Tuncay, Bates, O'Neil, Walker, Shawky, Downing, Johnson, Digard, Alves, King.