Barca’s two centre back stalwarts Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique out of the line up is heartening news.
More welcome will be the presence of Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, and Jack Wilshere in the 18 man squad to make the trip to Camp Nou.
RVP had made very rapid progress in the last three days according to Wenger. And Fabregas’s hamstring is now at 90% fitness. So they are not in fact, fully fit which means Wenger is taking a known gamble but to press a 2-1 advantage against the best team in the world leaves him with little choice.
Some would raise eyebrows at Pep Guardiola’s statement that Wilshere would be a good reserve player at Barca. But it is hardly a put down given the quality right now in their first squad. Even Fabregas would find a tough go. But that overlooks the fact Wilshere is being groomed before his time because Denilson has proven so abysmal. It also benefits Fabio Capello as quality English midfielders are all too rare.
Alex Song is to miss the trip and his place will be taken by Abou Diaby with his known liabilities who will have to step up bolster defensive duties. Song has transformed into a genuine hardman and his crab like legs can tangle up many attacking players whereas Diaby is far more lightweight. He has to get down and dirty. A few hard tackles to disrupt Xavi and Iniesta.