Robin van Persie has completed his remarkable comeback from the knee injury he picked up a little over a week ago after scoring in Arsenal's eventual 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final. Although news came in yesterday that the striker had travelled with the team to Spain to face off against FC Barcelona, it was unclear whether he'd be fit to start or if he'd come on as a late substitute. Question answered, according to football journalist Ian McGarry's twitter:
FC Barcelona Vs. Arsenal FC, 2011: Robin Van Persie To Start For Arsenal
Van Persie to start for #AFC v #FCB.
Ian McGarry
garbosj
Obviously, this is fantastic news for Arsene Wenger's side, who almost certainly have to score today to have any chance of advancing to the quarter finals. The return of their top striker means that the likes of Maroune Chamahk and Nicklas Bendtner can return to the bench where they belong. Van Persie's inclusion in the Arsenal starting XI gives Barcelona's centre back pairing of Sergio Busquets and Eric Abidal plenty to worry about, and it was his goal that sparked the late Arsenal comeback in the first leg, where they ultimately won 2-1.
With van Persie and captain Cesc Fabregas looking like near-certain starters, Arsenal could really give Barcelona a stern test today. They’ll never be favourites against the reigning Spanish champions, but life is looking a little rosier for the Gunners than it did just days ago.
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