Team News: Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar fails to recover from calf injury

Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar has been ruled out of this afternoon's Premier League clash against Arsenal, the Dutch defender unable to recover in time from a calf injury.

Likewise, Joe Cole is out of Paul Lambert's matchday lineup at Villa Park, despite having seemingly recovered from a similar problem.

Defender Nathan Baker misses out with a virus, with Ciaran Clark coming in to take his place.

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has failed to recover from a groin injury and will not be involved for Arsene Wenger's side this afternoon, while Calum Chambers is in the starting XI after overcoming a bout of tonsillitis.

Nacho Monreal is sidelined by a back injury, while Jack Wilshere has recovered from an ankle problem to make the Gunners bench.

Aston Villa: Guzan, Senderos, Hutton, Clark, Cissokho, Delph, Sanchez, Cleverley, Richardson, Weimann, Agbonlahor Subs: Given, Bacuna, Okore, Westwood, Grealish, Lowton, N'Zogbia

Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck Subs: Ospina, Coquelin, Diaby, Sanchez, Rosicky, Wilshere, Podolski

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