Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has returned to action from a long-term Achilles injury with the reserves, but will not be rushed back for the clash with the Premier League leaders.
The Belgian centre-half has not featured since the end of August, but played the whole of Thursday night's goalless second XI game against United at Old Trafford.
Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf) misses out again, but Czech winger Tomas Rosicky could be available after illness.
Dimitar Berbatov returns to the Manchester United squad.
Berbatov has missed three games with a minor groin strain but is expected to be handed a starting spot as United look to end Arsenal's lingering title challenge.
Paul Scholes serves the final game of a three-match ban, whilst Darren Fletcher (virus) is expected to be available for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final decider with Schalke.
Arsenal (from): Szczesny, Clichy, Djourou, Koscielny, Sagna, Fabregas, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Walcott, van Persie, Lehmann, Arshavin, Chamakh, Ramsey, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Bendtner, Rosicky.
United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Rafael, O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Smalling, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Valencia, Gibson, Anderson, Park, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov, Owen.
