World Cup winner Gilberto will be handed the task of reviving Arsenal's fortunes when he leads the side into their Carling Cup quarter-final at Doncaster tonight.
Gilberto was suspended for Sunday's defeat by Chelsea, when his physical presence and experience were missed almost as much as Patrick Vieira's influence following his move to Juventus.
However, the Brazil international is back in the squad for tonight's game as one of only a handful of senior players as Arsene Wenger persists with his policy of blooding his youngsters in the Carling Cup.
Gilberto is set to be joined in the starting line-up by Robin van Persie, who has already scored three times in the competition in the wins against Sunderland and Reading.
Philippe Senderos and Pascal Cygan will also offer some first-team experience in defence, but Jens Lehmann, Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure and Lauren have all been rested from the back four.
Jose Antonio Reyes is not risked after injury, while Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp are also saved for the St Stephens Day trip to Charlton.
However, summer signing Alexander Hleb, who could cost up to #10million, is included in the 16-man squad along with young talents such as Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Arturo Lupoli.
Reserve goalkeeper Mart Poom is included as back-up to Manuel Almunia, having agreed to extend his loan spell at Highbury from Sunderland until the end of the season.
Teenage midfielder Fabrice Muamba is also selected, having made his senior debut against Sunderland in the Carling Cup and then played against Reading.
Even though League One side Doncaster may have knocked out Aston Villa and Manchester City, the 17-year-old midfielder is not short of confidence ahead of tonight's game.
Muamba told the club's official website www.arsenal.com: "Doncaster are Doncaster. Arsenal are Arsenal. We are probably one of the best teams in the country and we know what people want from us.
"We're away from home but I'm 100% convinced we can go there and get a win. We've got a good team with a lot of quality.
"We know what the boss wants from us and we've got to show people what we're capable of. We'll give it our best shot and hopefully get a win."