Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas ‘optimistic’ of facing Barcelona

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is confident he will have recovered from a hamstring strain in time to face Barcelona at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

abregas, 23, has not featured for the Gunners since limping off in the first half of Arsenal’s clash with Stoke 10 days ago, but the Spain midfielder is hopeful he will be able travel to Barcelona with Arsene Wenger’s squad on Monday.

“As far as my injury is concerned, I am feeling really good at the moment,”Fabregas revealed. “I am doing everything I possibly can to get ready as soon as I can.

“Physically I feel good and it was good to have a bit of a rest too because I am sure I will come back stronger.

“It may have even been possible for me to be on the bench for today’s game (against Sunderland) but we decided together that it would be better for me to rest well instead, have a good training session on Sunday, take a look Monday and then hopefully fly to Barcelona.

“I am optimistic that everything should be okay for Tuesday.”

Meanwhile, striker Robin van Persie (knee) and winger Theo Walcott (ankle) have both been ruled out of the second leg Champions League last-16 tie.