Robin Van Persie Returns To Training, Included In Arsenal Squad Vs. Barcelona

It's more good news for Arsenal fans following Arsene Wenger earlier declaration that captain Cesc Fabregas is 90% likely to play against Barcelona on Tuesday and Jack Wilshere declaring himself fit to start after several knocks in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland. Robin van Persie, who was expected to miss several weeks due to a knee injury incurred in the Gunners 2-1 Carling Cup Final loss to Birmingham City, has been included in the Wenger's traveling squad and also participated in full training today.

Van Persie's presumed absence had led to discussions over whether Marouane Chamakh or Nicklas Bendtner would lead Arsenal's line, but if he's fit and sharp to start (which admittedly seems unlikely) the Dutch striker could very well cause a depleted Barcelona side problems - their central defensive partnership of Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique are out with injury and suspension respectively, and facing off against a top striker is one of the last things they want to be doing right now. At the very least van Persie will provide the Gunners with some much-needed firepower off the bench.

They may have some issues in defensive midfield, however, where Alex Song is conclusively ruled out with a knee injury of his own. Given the fact that Song was woefully ineffective in dealing with the fluidity of the Barcelona midfield in the first leg, this may not be as big a problem as it appears at first glance, but Arsenal would presumably still rather have all of their options in front of them as they look to defend their slender lead and deal a stunning blow to one of the best teams in world football.