Arsene Wenger rules Robin van Persie out of Barcelona trip but confirms Cesc Fabregas could figure in Champions League clash

Carling Cup : Robin van Persie – Samir Nasri, Arsenal v Birmingham City

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Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will miss the all-important Champions League second leg against Barcelona after the club revealed he will be out of action for three weeks with the knee injury he picked up while scoring in the League Cup final.

It is a huge blow for the Gunners, but boss Arsene Wenger revealed captain Cesc Fabregas is “possible” to play after making good progress.

But the Frenchman revealed that Van Persie, who has been in goalscoring form since the beginning of January, will definitely play no part at Camp Nou.

“Unfortunately, we had bad news on the scan and he will be out for the next three weeks for sure,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

“It could be longer. The shortest delay we can imagine is three weeks [so] he is definitely out for Barcelona.”

However, midfielder Fabregas could still figure in the second leg, with his injury not considered as serious.

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

Van Persie’s injury is another big loss as Theo Walcott has already been ruled out for the trip to Barcelona, where they need only a draw to progress through to the next round.

The injury comes at a bad time for Arsenal after losing the Carling Cup final in the closing minutes, and the Dutchman is now part of a growing list of injury concerns for the Gunners.

Alex Song is out of the FA Cup replay on Wednesday against Leyton Orient, and is also a doubt for the weekend’s Premier League match against Sunderland, but should be back for the encounter with Barcelona.

Laurent Koscielny also collected a small hamstring injury at Wembley and will be rested against Leyton Orient.