The Guardian are reporting that the big decision for Arsene Wenger, on whether or not to let the Arsenal striker Robin van Persie play at the Camp Nou this evening, will be made at the last possible minute, which is 75 minutes before the kick-off.
Van Persie was thought to be out for four to six weeks after his injury during the Carling Cup Final against Birmingham City, but the striker surprisingly took part in training yesterday and Arsène Wenger chartered a private jet to fly the player out to Barcelona for their Champions League 2nd leg tie.
Arsenal have to name an 18-man squad for the game and Arsène Wenger will leave the decision to the last possible moment in the hopes that the in-form Dutch forward can take part in the game.
Van Persie has been in sensational form recently after recovering from injury in the first half of the season. He has scored 12 times in 9 games including a goal in the first leg against Barcelona at the Emirates stadium.
Barcelona will be without central defensive pairing Puyol and Pique, due to, respectively, an injury and a ban, which means the Spanish side will have to set up a make-shift defence. The prospect of facing a red hot Van Persie is something Pep Guardiola will not look forward to.
Arsène Wenger needs to submit his 18-man squad 75 minutes before kick-off which is when he will have to decide whether or not to include Van Persie. Arsenal have a 2-1 lead over Barcelona but will be expected to chase more goals as they are doubtful about their ability to keep a clean sheet against the likes of Messi and Villa.
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