Vermaelen banned for Blues trip

Veteran Mikael Silvestre is expected to fill in alongside Sol Campbell, while striker Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) should be fit. Centre-back William Gallas (calf) has returned to training, and Holland forward Robin van Persie is stepping up his recovery from several months out with ankle ligament damage. Aaron Ramsey (broken leg), Kieran Gibbs (foot) and Johan Djourou (knee) remain sidelined. Arsenal (from): Almunia, Clichy, Silvestre, Campbell, Eboue, Arshavin, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott, Bendtner, Fabianski, Eduardo, Eastmond, Sagna, Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, Vela.