Arsenal look set to be without Gilberto for tomorrow's Barclays Premiership clash with Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium after the midfielder returned to Brazil to deal with a family matter.
Freddie Ljungberg and Julio Baptista are both now fit again, while goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has recovered from the heavy cold which saw him miss the win over Liverpool and Germany's midweek Euro 2008 qualifier in Cyprus.
Midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) is still a week or so away from fitness, while Abou Diaby (ankle) and Lauren (knee) are long-term absentees.
Newcastle keeper Shay Given and striker Obafemi Martins could return from injury .
The Irishman has been sidelined for two months by an abdominal injury which required surgery after a collision with West Ham's Marlon Harewood, while the Nigerian has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury.
Turkish midfielder Emre is suspended, while Celestine Babayaro (groin), Olivier Bernard (hip) and Michael Owen (knee) are also out, but Shola Ameobi (hip) could play his final game before having an operation and Stephen Carr (foot), Titus Bramble (back) and James Milner (leg) could be available.
