Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could be fit to face Barcelona next week, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Fabregas suffered a hamstring injury during the recent Premier League win over Stoke City, forcing the Spaniard to sit out the Gunners’ Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City and the FA Cup fifth-round replay win over League One side Leyton Orient.
The 23-year-old will also miss this weekend’s league clash with Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium, but Wenger is hoping to be able to call upon the World Cup winner for next week’s second leg of their Champions League last-16 showdown with Barca, with Arsenal taking a 2-1 advantage to the Camp Nou.
Wenger said: “I personally hope he will be fit next Tuesday. He has a chance to play against Barcelona.
“I don't think he will be involved on Saturday. There is no chance but we will try with him on Sunday and Monday, and give him a final test Monday morning.”