Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas’ (22) chances of being fit for Wednesday night’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona are slim because of a knee injury.

The influential Spaniard missed training on Monday and Tuesday after suffering severe bruising to the joint in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Saturday.

A statement on the Arsenal website yesterday said “there is a chance” Fabregas will be available for selection at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night.

However, in his press conference today Wenger was far from upbeat about the 22-year-old’s chances of lining up against his former team.

“He did not train this morning (Tuesday) and at the moment he is not fit to play,” Wenger admitted.

“We will give him 24 hours more, but I don’t know if he will be available.”

“If the game were Tuesday, he would not play.”

Wenger has also categorically ruled out naming the midfielder on the bench if he fails a late fitness test.

“If he is not capable to play, I would not take a gamble and put him on the bench,” he added.