Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas a doubt for Barcelona clash

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas remains a major doubt for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Barcelona because of a knee injury, manager Arsene Wenger said on Tuesday.

The Spaniard, key to the London side's chances against the holders at the Emirates, picked up the knock in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Birmingham City.

"He didn't appear at training because he's not fit to play. Today he would not be available," Wenger told a news conference on the eve of the first leg.

"I cannot give an answer today. The medical staff say there is still a chance and it will be decided in the warm-up tomorrow night, that's how late we'll leave it.

"Sometimes you don't want to take a gamble and 24 hours more can help. It's important he doesn't get another kick on his knee."

The loss of their captain, who left Barcelona as a teenager seven years ago, would be a huge blow to Arsenal's hopes of building a first-leg lead as his crisp passing and movement are pivotal to their approach.

There was some good news for Wenger, though, as Russian forward Andrei Arshavin trained despite a groin problem while French centre back William Gallas looks fit to play after overcoming a calf injury more quickly than expected.