Mertesacker missing for Gunners

Arsenal will be without German centre-half Per Mertesacker for the Champions League last 16 first-leg clash at AC Milan because of the ankle injury he sustained in the Barclays Premier League victory at Sunderland.

Kieran Gibbs is fit again following a groin problem and so could slot in at left-back allowing Thomas Vermaelen to move across into his favoured role alongside Laurent Koscielny, while Swiss international Johan Djourou is another option.

Striker Thierry Henry - who came off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner at the Stadium of Light - plays his last match before returning to New York Red Bulls.

Gervinho has finished international duty at the African Nations Cup, but the Ivory Coast forward, who missed a penalty in the final shoot-out defeat to Zambia - is not due back until later this week.

Defenders Carl Jenkinson (back) and Andre Santos (ankle) are still out, along with midfielders Abou Diaby (hamstring) and Jack Wilshere (ankle).