Patrick Vieira is set to be ruled out of the Arsenal starting line-up again for Saturday's game against Middlesbrough at Highbury.

Vieira had been hoping to recover in time from the groin injury which also forced him to miss last weekend's North London derby.

But Arsene Wenger told the club's website, www.arsenal.com: "Patrick is not likely to start against Middlesbrough, although he is close. Edu is also not likely to play, so there will not be many changes in midfield."

Pascal Cygan is still doubtful with a calf strain, while Dennis Bergkamp may have escaped a ban at a Football Association disciplinary hearing, but must still pass a fitness test on a jarred knee.

Wenger must also decide whether he can afford to rest either Fredrik Ljungberg or Gilberto Silva, with Sylvain Wiltord hoping for a recall.

At least Rami Shaaban should be fit after a thigh problem to take up his place on the substitutes' bench, with Stuart Taylor having sustained a broken finger.

Middlesbrough meanwhile have doubts over Gareth Southgate, Ugo Ehiogu, George Boateng, Noel Whelan and Szilard Nemeth, but are hopeful that most, if not all, will be fit.

Joseph-Desire Job is in line for a return to action after recovering fronm the crack to the base of his skull he suffered in the defeat at West Brom.

"He's trained this week and he's got better every day," McClaren said.

"Obviously, it's a little different playing, but he wants to play.

"He feels well enough to and I think we've got the go-ahead. It's now looking at his attitude and saying will he be up for the game? He's champing at the bit to play.

"I think you have to try to chase the demons away - fall off a bike and get back on it. It's one of those old clich�s, and that's what he's going to have to do.

"He's a brave lad, enthusiastic and wants to play, and that's the most important thing."

HEAD TO HEAD NOTES