Cesc Fabregas a possible chance for Nou Camp, but Van Persie and Walcott are out

ARSENAL’S worst fears were confirmed after Sunday’s Wembley heartbreak – Robin van Persie’s knee injury will rule him out of next week’s clash with Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Van Persie, who captained the Gunners at Wembley, was injured in the process of scoring the equaliser seven minutes before half-time.

And although he continued to play until midway through the second half, there was clearly a problem with his knee which has now led to another spell on the sidelines for the Dutch striker who has scored 13 goals in 13 starts this season.

“Unfortunately, we had bad news on the scan and he will be out for the next three weeks for sure,” said Wenger. “It could be longer. The shortest delay we can imagine is three weeks. He is definitely out for Barcelona.

“Alex Song has a knee problem as well. From his scan we had good news, it is only blood from a kick on the outside of his knee. He is out for Leyton Orient and has a very small chance for Saturday. But he has a good chance for Barcelona.”

Theo Walcott has also been ruled out of the trip to Catalonia after the ankle injury he suffered against Stoke last week,

The only good news was that captain Cesc Fabregas is winning his fitness battle to play at the Nou Camp for the first time since leaving Barcelona’s academy as a 16-year-old in 2003.

“Cesc is looking possible [for that game] said Wenger. “He is making quick and good progress. It is possible.”