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A few days ago, Arsenal were looking worryingly at their injury list ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League second-leg tie with Barcelona.
However, they have been handed a couple of welcome boosts ahead of the clash at the Nou Camp.
Robin van Persie is a surprise inclusion in the squad and Cesc Fabregas has a “90% chance” of playing.
The injury scare for Jack Wilshere has also been dismissed and the England man will have the chance to impress as much as he did in the first-leg against the Spanish champions.
Theo Walcott and Alex Song will miss out, but there is no doubt that Arsenal will go into the game with a better squad than many expected. Getting van Persie anywhere near fitness could be a deciding factor in such a game.
Even with a completely clean bill of health though, this is going to be a difficult challenge for the Gunners.
They may well hold a 2-1 lead going into the game, but not many teams come away from Barcelona with a positive result. Arsenal can vouch for this themselves after they were hammered 4-1 in the same fixture last season.
However, the victory in the first-leg will have given Wenger’s men the belief to succeed and they must go into the game with a positive frame of mind. They must see Barcelona as their equal and not show them too much respect.
This refers specifically to Lionel Messi. Of course, he is not the only threat amongst Pep Guardiola’s talented team, but if Arsenal can deal with him, they will significantly improve their chances of progression. He scored all four against them at the Nou Camp last time, after all.
As for Barcelona’s team news, they are likely to use the unfamiliar central defence partnership of Eric Abidal and Sergio Busquets following the injury to Carlos Puyol and suspension of Gerard Pique.
This could be something for Arsenal to exploit, but there is no doubt that the Spaniards are favourites to come out on top. They are a formidable force at home.
Having said that, not many expected Arsenal to beat them in the first-leg, especially when they were 1-0 down. Anything can happen in this game and with their 2-1 advanatge to take into the game, the English club have more than a fighting chance.
Let’s hope the quality on show is at the same level as the first game. Regardless, it is going to be a fascinating contest and one we dare you to keep your eyes off.
