Arsenal keeps Barcelona guessing on Robin van Persie
Published:Tuesday | March 8, 2011 | 3:13 PM
Arsenal will keep hosts Barcelona guessing on the fitness of Robin van Persie ahead of this afternoon’s Champions League clash at Nou Camp in Spain.
Dutchman Van Persie had been expected to miss the last-16 second-leg having not played since injuring his knee in the Carling Cup final on February 27.
The striker travelled to Spain and will be assessed today but the Gunners will not reveal news about his fitness until the team sheets are handed in.
Meanwhile, boss Arsene Wenger is 90 per cent sure Cesc Fabregas will be fit.
The pair had initial fitness tests yesterday ahead of meeting in which Arsenal will hope to defend a 2-1 lead.
UEFA Champions League rules state team sheets must be completed and signed by both teams before being handed to the referee at least 75 minutes before kick-off.
Wenger denied the announcement that Van Persie could feature in the match was a ploy to disrupt Barcelona's preparations.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admits he would be happy to see both Van Persie and Gunners' captain Fabregas in the Arsenal team.