Fulham defender Aaron Hughes will miss the clash because of an ankle injury.
Hughes' fellow centre backs Philippe Christanval (knee) and Ian Pearce (ankle) are rated doubtful for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Zat Knight and Carlos Bocanegra will pair up in the centre of defence but winger Lee Cook, a summer arrival from QPR, is unavailable because of a knee problem.
Fulham (from):
Niemi, Warner,
Volz, Bocanegra, Christanval, Knight,
Rosenior, Pearce, Baird, Konchesky,
Diop, Dempsey, Davies, Smertin,
Davis, Bouazza,
John, McBride, Kamara, Healy.
New Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva faces a fitness test on a minor ankle injury but is expected to be fit to make his debut against Fulham on Sunday.
Fellow summer signing Bacary Sagna could also make his bow, but Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is still not fit following a groin problem picked up during pre-season.
Veteran midfielder Gilberto will not be included after being given an extended break following Brazil's victory in the Copa America.
William Gallas will captain the side, taking over the armband from Thierry Henry who left the club this summer.
Arsenal (from):
Lehmann, Almunia,
Eboue,Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Flamini,
Walcott, Hleb, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Rosicky,
Eduardo, van Persie, Bendtner.