Madrid sports paper Marca claim that Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fabregas (22) will start against Barcelona this evening in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final between the two European heavyweights.

The Arsenal captain had been a doubt to make it after picking up a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham on Saturday and yesterday Arsene Wenger said he had a slim chance of playing (read more here).

Fabregas has reportedly recovered from the blow he picked up at St. Andrews and felt fine during a fitness test at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium this morning.

There is less of a chance of further injury to Fabregas as it is a muscle injury and his desire to play for Arsenal against his former club means he is desperate not to miss out.