David Wheater is suspended after his sending-off at Hull last weekend, while Justin Hoyte and Andrew Taylor are both doubts with knee injuries.
Robert Huth (foot) and Chris Riggott (hamstring) have returned to training, but Tony McMahon, Seb Hines, Matthew Bates and Rhys Williams could come into contention if they are not ready.
Midfielder Gary O'Neil and striker Mido (both hamstring) will miss out once again, but Mohamed Shawky could be involved for the first time since he suffered a thigh injury in October.
Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca has warned his team-mates not to be taken in by talk of a crisis at Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger and his men have found themselves in the firing line throughout a difficult season with results at times not living up to expectations, and the controversy surrounding former captain William Gallas and midfielder Emmanuel Eboue making for unwelcome headlines.
However, the Gunners have emerged from the Champions League group stage to take their place among the Continent's elite once again, and remain a member of the top-four club.
Arca is hopeful of a repeat this time around, but has dismissed rumours of their demise.
He said: "You are always criticised when things are not going well, especially the big teams, because there are so many expectations on them to win cups and do well in every competition they play.
"I still believe Arsenal are one of the best teams. They play good football, pretty football and it's good what they are doing, giving a chance to young players to show how good they could be.
"In a year's time, probably those young players are going to cost millions.
"I know Arsenal fans expect them to win trophies, but it's good that the manager gives opportunities to the young players to play massive games, as they have been doing.''
That is a view shared by manager Gareth Southgate as he attempts to extend Boro's impressive record of having lost only once to Arsenal in their last six league meetings.
He said: "The one thing that's staggering is to hear people questioning Arsene Wenger's position because for me, he and Sir Alex [Ferguson] are the two managers you look up to as a young manager.
"Playing Arsenal just reminds you of the way they play, the style in which he wants to play, the way in which he has built that football club - which has always been a great club - in his own philosophies. He is a fantastic manager.''
Wenger will arrive at the Riverside Stadium having fielded his youngsters in Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat in Porto to meet a Boro side which slipped to a 2-1 league reverse at Hull in a late flurry.
That left Southgate's men just four points above the relegation zone, but equally, as many shy of seventh.
Arsenal expect to have captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) back along with several other first-team players.
Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring), Robin van Persie (thigh) and the rested Emmanuel Adebayor also missed the midweek Champions League trip to Porto but should be available again, along with defender Bacary Sagna if he shakes off a virus in time.
Defender Kolo Toure (calf) and midfielder Samir Nasri (ankle) remain sidelined, along with Eduardo (leg) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains the strength in depth of the Barclays Premier League this season will ensure no-one runs away with the title.
The Gunners head to Middlesbrough some eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but boosted by the recent victory over rivals Chelsea.
Rafael Benitez is, though, not getting carried away with the Reds' lofty position - and declared it would need the other big four to "mess up their season'' to ensure a smooth path towards the title come May.
Arsenal have yet to lose to any of the teams above them, and host Liverpool next Sunday.
However, they have been beaten by the likes of Hull, Fulham, Stoke and Manchester City, as well as fifth-placed Aston Villa.
Wenger insists the increased competition among the rest of England's elite clubs proves no encounter can be considered an easy ride any more.
He told Arsenal TV Online: "The level of demands are higher from everywhere.
"People always want top, top quality with top results, but on the other hand you have better teams in the Premier League than ever and that is why it is difficult for everybody.
"You cannot have on one side the best Premier League in the world and on the other side have teams just to turn up and think you will win the game. You will have surprises."
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