Samir Nasri has been included in the Arsenal squad for the Champions League showdown with Barcelona after returning to training.
The French playmaker has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury in the FA Cup win over Huddersfield on 30th January and was expected to miss Wednesday’s game.
Nasri participated in training on Tuesday and Arsene Wenger has decided to include the player in his squad for the visit of Barca to Emirates Stadium.
However, fellow Frenchman Abou Diaby has been ruled out of the contest with a calf injury he picked up on international duty last week.
Wenger insists he will not take a risk on Nasri’s fitness as he does not want him to suffer a relapse of the injury at a crucial stage of the season.
“Samir is in the squad and the starting line-up will be decided tomorrow,” said Wenger.
“I will take no medical risk. It’s good to have him in the squad.
“He’s recovered quicker than expected. I said it would be 21 days but it will be only 17 days.
“Everybody is absolutely adamant that he’s completely medically available. It’s down to me to make the decision.
“(Tomas) Rosicky is available. He is in the squad. Diaby is out with a calf problem he did with the French national team.”
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