Gallas back as Gunners wait on Cesc

Defender Thomas Vermaelen returns for the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash at Emirates Stadium after missing the 1-1 draw at Birmingham through a domestic suspension, while fellow centre-back Gallas is also in the squad following eight games out because of a calf problem. Holland forward Robin van Persie (ankle) is still a few weeks away from full fitness, while Aaron Ramsey (broken leg) is a long-term absentee. Gunners (from): Almunia, Clichy, Campbell, Vermaelen, Sagna, Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner, Fabianski, Walcott, Silvestre, Diaby, Rosicky, Eboue, Traore, Vela, Eduardo, Gallas.