TEAM NEWS: Vermaelen named as a substitute for Arsenal’s clash with Stoke City as Gibbs & Arshavin get starts

Thomas Vermaelen is poised to make his return from an Achilles injury which has kept the centre-back sidelined since September.

The Belgian has been named among Arsene Wenger’s substitutes for Arsenal’s clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium for the first time since picking up his injury while on international duty last year.

Wenger is without Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby after the trio picked up injuries during the week. Andrey Arshavin, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates, is drafted into Arsenal’s attack, while Kieran Gibbs starts at left-back

Stoke City: Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; Pennant, Whelan, Whitehead, Delap; Walters, Jones. Subs: Sorensen, Collins, Pugh, Diao, Carew, Faye, Shotton.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Gibbs; Song, Wilshere, Ramsey; Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin. Subs: Lehmann, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Squillaci, Eboue, Chamakh, Bendtner.