Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini hopes to shrug off a thigh injury.
Winger Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) could return but striker Robin van Persie (thigh) and defender Johan Djourou (groin) are still not match-fit.
Blackburn have Christopher Samba, David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen banned, while Ryan Nelsen and Andre Ooijer (both hamstring) are doubts.
Aaron Mokoena could be available after Africa Cup of Nations duty and Steven Reid hopes to overcome a knee injury.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo, Lehmann, Bendtner, Traore, Walcott, J Hoyte, Rosicky, Gilberto.
Blackburn (from): Friedel, Emerton, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Derbyshire, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Roberts, Berner, Olsson, Rigters, Treacy, Tugay, Brown, Mokoena.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Arsenal returned to the top of the table after a two-week absence following victory at Manchester City last Saturday, but they could well find themselves back in second spot by the time this Monday night match kicks off.
The Gunners have won 11 league matches at the Emirates alone this season - that's more than Blackburn have mustered both home and away.
Blackburn go into the 100th league clash with Arsenal, trailing their north London opponents by 21 points, but still with aspirations of a highest placed finish since winning the title 13 years ago.
Rovers enter this set of Premier League fixtures fourth in the "Form" table.
Mark Hughes's side have only won one of their last 10 Premier League matches in London; 1-2 against Tottenham on 28 October last year.
The Gunners are pursuing a fifth successive home Premier League victory over Rovers. They've scored 12 goals in the last three, including last season's 6-2 drubbing.
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