London: Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is optimistic of returning to fitness in time to feature in Tuesday's Champions League clash against Barcelona.
Fabregas is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem suffered against Stoke on February 23, but the Spain midfielder, who missed last weekend's League Cup final loss against Birmingham, is on course to play a part at the Nou Camp.
Arsenal hold a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium and Fabregas is desperate to feature against his former club.
Speaking in his programme notes for Saturday's Premier League clash against Sunderland, Fabregas said: "As far as my injury is concerned, I am feeling really good at the moment.
"I am doing everything I possibly can to get ready as soon as I can.
"Physically I feel good and it was good to have a bit of a rest too because I am sure I will come back stronger.
"It may have even been possible for me to be on the bench for today's game, but we decided together that it would be better for me to rest well instead, have a good training session on Sunday, take a look Monday and then hopefully fly to Barcelona.
"I am optimistic that everything should be okay for Tuesday."
Fabregas' return is crucial to the Gunners as they are already without injured Holland striker Robin van Persie and England forward Theo Walcott.