Ars*nal centre-back Laurent Koscielny is available after serving a two-game ban for his red card against Newcastle.
Midfielder Jack Wilshere has been passed fit after recovering from the back problem he picked up at Bolton.
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe returns to the squad after ankle surgery, and could win a place on the bench.
Aaron Lennon may make his comeback from a hamstring problem, but fellow midfielder Niko Kranjcar is doubtful with a calf injury.
The Manchester derby may have disappointed but it is hard to imagine a bore draw in the 147th league meeting of these north London rivals. The last six encounters in league and cup have produced a total of 25 goals, including a memorable 4-4 draw at the Emirates two years ago.
Ars*nal know a win will take them top of the table for the first time since March, increasing the pressure on Chelsea when they kick-off against Birmingham. Tottenham have not won on Gunners soil since 1993 but they did end a decade-long wait for a league win against Arsene Wenger's men when the sides met in April.
Both sides looks defensively vulnerable. Ars*nal remain without Thomas Vermaelen, while injuries to Ledley King and Michael Dawson have robbed Spurs of their first-choice centre-backs. Their continued absence has meant William Gallas has played a key role - he was released by Ars*nal this summer after the club claimed his contract demands were "extravagant", but his experience could prove invaluable for the visitors.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp appears to have decided attack is the best form of defence judging by his line-up against Blackburn last weekend, when two orthodox strikers (Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko) were supported by an attack-minded midfield of Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Jermaine Jenas.
While Redknapp will be wary of Ars*nal's counter-attacking threat, he could be emboldened by Newcastle's victory at the Emirates a fortnight ago, when the Magpies surprised many by starting with two up front.