Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is set to make a rare start as manager Arsene Wenger looks set to include some of his fringe players, such as Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
However, striker Eduardo remains in recover following a broken leg, while captain Cesc Fabregas (knee), Theo Walcott (shoulder), and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are also sidelined.
Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock could hand a debut to new signing David Gray.
Gray, 20, has arrived on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season and will vie with Mat Doumbe for the right to start at right-back, with David McNamee suspended after being sent off at Cardiff on Sunday.
Argyle's seven-goal top scorer Paul Gallagher, on a season-long loan from Blackburn, missed the defeat at Cardiff with an ankle injury but is hoping to be passed fit to face the Gunners.
Winger Craig Noone has shrugged off the virus which limited his contribution at Cardiff to a late substitute appearance and will be included again.
Skipper Karl Duguid, who missed the Cardiff match, is set to be recalled while transfer-listed midfielder Simon Walton completes his three-match ban so sits out.
Arsenal squad: Fabianski, Sagna, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Eboue, Ramsey, Diaby, Nasri, Adebayor, van Persie, Mannone, Bendtner, Vela, Wilshere, Gibbs, Djourou, Song, Merida, Randall.
Sporting Life