Arsenal could have both Robin van Persie and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin available as Arsene Wenger's men look to get their Barclays Premier League campaign back on course against Wigan on Saturday.
The duo sat out the Champions League opener away to Standard Liege, where the Gunners fought back from 2-0 down to record a morale-boosting win courtesy of a late goal from man of the moment Eduardo.
However, van Persie looks to have shaken off a knee problem, while Arshavin has a "10% chance" of returning to the team after aggravating a groin problem while away on international duty.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, though, continues to be troubled by a chest infection, so rookie Vito Mannone looks set for only a second Premier League appearance having been beaten twice inside the opening five minutes on Wednesday night.
One player hoping to force his way back into Wenger's plans is defender Philippe Senderos. The Swiss centre-back spent last season on loan at AC Milan and looked to be heading to Everton after they sold Joleon Lescott to Manchester City.
However, a move to Goodison Park never materialised, and with Johan Djourou sidelined because of a serious knee problem, Senderos could soon be back in the Arsenal first-team picture.
"For a while the club and myself decided that maybe it was the best to separate, but then in the end the best thing was for me to stay," the 24-year-old told Arsenal TV Online.
"Playing for Milan was a great experience for me, I have learned a lot and hopefully I can show it when I am on the pitch.
"But I am delighted to be back at Arsenal, it was always my goal to stay at the club and hopefully I can give my best for the team.
"I want to get back into the team and play as many games as possible."
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Well, sanderos used to be one of the strong defenders in arsenal bt on some hot matches, he lose concentrations. But, i hopefully believe he is going to be a different man now. SENDEROS, i pray for you in arsenal.
Come to think of it, we could use Senderos. The defense has been a bit shaky lately. So why not give him another chance?
Mr Senderos What?Your goal was always to stay in the club?i think last year you said"Ac Milan is better than Arsenal and i would love to be permenant here".we can sell him in jan and bring in hangenland or chammakh
I think we should cut Senderos some slack, I think he will improve, He has height and Gallas has shown some lapses himself. We can try Senderos in some minnow games, just to see what he has. This weekend, i think Gallas should be "rested" while Senderos partners Vermaelen..Verm makes all around him a little better, ask Clichy.
If 'could return' is 'is returning', then Amen and thank God Almighty!
Why to refer Manone always as a rookie?
He's never been the same since he did his shoulder in at the Euros a few years back. Just don't ask him to mark Drogba!
Senderos, if ur stint away has shaken off the fumbling and naivety u perfectly copied from Toure, u a welcome. With the composed Vermaelen and most improved Gallas assured of space ahead of you, only injuries and your proof that you are better will keep you from warming the bench always. For now, we can only wish u the best.
I hope you did learn alot in Milan. Ive always though he had the basics down to be a good defender, but was naive too many times. Fingers crossed for him. but i think he maybe going elsewhere either at christmas or in the summer.
Senderos, we can surely use ur height to defend set pieces.
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