Samir Nasri
Rosicky named in the squad, but Diaby will miss the game.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that French revelation Samir Nasri will be a part of the squad for the home tie against the Spanish champions. Whether he starts or not will entirely be left till the last minute.
The 23 year old has been in outstanding form this season, after being controversially dropped by former France manager Raymond Domenech. Nasri had earlier suffered a knock against Huddersfield town, which he was initially expected to miss the game, but has performed a miraculously quick recovery too boost the Gunners hopes against the Catalans, who they haven’t been able to defeat in their last five Champions League encounters. Loosing three games and drawing two.
Nasri, who is the top scorer for the gunners this season has been in outstanding form this season scoring fourteen goals already, has thrived in the attacking midfield position, but whether he starts on the bench, plays any part or misses the game completely will be a decision made by Wenger. The gaffer said he might choose to protect the young talent.
In recent times France legend Zinedine Zidane has touted Samir Nasri as the future of French football. If he features for Arsenal against Barcelona this week, then the North Londoners are definitely in with a chance of reaching the last eight of the competition.
“He is in the squad for the game, but the starting line-up will only be decided tomorrow. I won’t take any medical risks.” Wenger told the reporters
Adding further he said. ”His recovery has been quicker than expected; it has only been seventeen days. Earlier we felt that it would take atleast twenty one days, but his recovery has been quick and relieving.”
“Everyone here is absolutely adamant that he is medically fit, so he has to play, but it’s going to be up to me to make the final decision.”
Nasri has scored nine goals alone in the Premiership; he has been an integral part to Arsenals title aspirations. The former Marseille man has been lauded well by football pundits across the globe.
Tomas Rosicky is also finally available, after missing large parts of this season through injury. Has finally managed to shake of his injury and is back in the squad for the home tie. Though in-form French midfielder Abou Diaby is out injured, suffering a knock whilst facing Brazil in a friendly. Diaby has not been able to complete the full 90 minutes since their 2-1 home victory over Birmingham City in mid-October.
Barcelona too have injury concerns of their own, with Captain marvelous Carles Puyol missing out.
Don’t miss this game on 17th February, 2011, 00:30 Am, Only on Ten Sports.
Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Barcelona, Champions League, Football, Gunners, Samir Nasri, Ten Sports
