Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has been forced to miss the Carling cup semi-final against Ipswich town due to injury. Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal, while centre-half Laurent Koscielny is expected to return having been rested for the FA Cup third-round draw against Leeds, as could striker Robin van Persie and England midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Aaron Ramsey is in contention to start, and reserve-team captain Ignasi Miquel should again be in the squad as defensive cover.

Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain out.