Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner sends warning to Barcelona defence after FA Cup hat-trick

Nicklas Bendtner celebrates his hat-trick against Leyton Orient (Getty)

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Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has revealed he is back to his best and ready to pose problems to Barcelona defence when the sides meet at Camp Nou for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

While the Danish striker has not always been in red-hot form and has caused frustration in the stands, he is favourite to play against the Catalan giants after Robin van Persie was ruled out with injury.

The Dane did not hesitate to take his chance to shine by grabbing a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Leyton Orient in Wednesday’s night FA Cup replay.

“Can I lead the line against Barcelona? Of course,” Bendtner told The London Evening Standard.

“I am now getting back to where I belong and there are still improvements to come.

“To score again there is the dream scenario. We have to take our chances because Barcelona always score when they play at home. I feel that in the last month I have definitely improved. That is due to my injury problems being completely finished.

“Last season I played for a bit when I was half-injured but there was no-one else, so I did my best and got through it. It has taken me a long time to get back where I am but I am pleased with my progress and that I have got back to playing the way I want to play.”

Arsenal take a 2-1 lead to Barcelona after Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin turned the tie on its head following David Villa’s first-half opener.