RVP IS BACK!!!

ARSENAL have received a double boost ahead of their Champions League trip to Barcelona with the news that Cesc Fábregas is 90% certain to play and Robin van Persie is also in contention. 

The Dutch forward had previously been ruled out of the last-16 second leg at Nou Camp with a knee injury suffered in the Carling Cup final against Birmingham.

Van Persie, who was expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, took part in Arsenal training on Monday. Fábregas was also named in the travelling party and appears likely to feature but Alex Song has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Fábregas, the Arsenal captain, had a final test on his hamstring problem today, with Arsène Wenger hopeful of having his most influential player back for Tuesday's match. Before the announcement of Arsenal's squad, Wenger said of Fábregas: "It is 90% he will travel and be fit."

Wenger said Van Persie would have a fitness test on Tuesday morning. Speaking at the Camp Nou, the Arsenal manager said: "He is here as a player and will have a test tomorrow. Whether he has been included in the squad has not yet been decided.

"He has made quick progression in the last three days. This morning he was unlikely to travel, but he wanted to go, so he had a test and it was quite positive."

Wenger added: "We will not take a gamble in a game of such importance. It will be fit or not fit. Personally I would like him to play if possible, but I will only play him if he is 100% fit."

Wenger is already without Theo Walcott, while Song is another casualty of the Wembley defeat against Brimingham. The Arsenal manager said , however, that Jack Wilshire will be available despite picking up an ankle knock against Sunderland on Saturday.

"Alex Song is completely out," said Wenger. "He had a test on Sunday morning and it was negative. Wilshere will be fit. Everybody else who played on Saturday should be available."

Arsenal will travel to Spain defending a 2-1 lead from the home leg. Despite losing 4-1 at Barcelona last season, Wenger believes that his side have improved at the back, with Arsenal's Premier League defensive record now only bettered by Chelsea and Manchester City.