Van Persie to make Barcelona trip

Robin van Persie has been added to Arsenal's squad for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Van Persie was substituted during Arsenal's Carling Cup final defeat against Birmingham after suffering a knee injury while scoring the equaliser at Wembley.

The second leg was expected to come too soon for the Holland striker but he has since trained with his team-mates at London Colney and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has included him in a 19-man squad that will be cut to 18 ahead of the match.

Wenger confirmed Van Persie would have a fitness test on Tuesday morning. Speaking at the Nou Camp, the Arsenal manager said: "He is here as a player and will have a test.

"Whether he has been included in the squad has not yet been decided. He has made quick progression in the last three days.

"He was unlikely to travel, but he wanted to go, so he had a test and it was quite positive."

We will not take a gamble in a game of such importance. It will be fit or not fit. Personally I would like him to play if possible, but I will only play him if he is 100% fit."

The Gunners, who lead 2-1 from the first leg at the Emirates, are confident captain Cesc Fabregas will be fit but Alex Song is ruled out by a knee injury.

Former Barca youth player Fabregas has not played since injuring his hamstring in the victory over Stoke almost two weeks ago and missed the Carling Cup final.His recovery is going well, though, and he now looks likely to take his place at the Nou Camp.

"Fabregas will have a final test (on Monday)," said Wenger. "It is 90% he will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there."