watch arsenal vs shaktar donetsk uefa champions league live stream
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is still mulling over whether to take a chance on playing captain Cesc Fabregas for tonight's match with Shakhtar Donetsk at the emirates. The Spanish international has not played since the 18th Of September on the back of a hamstring strain which was suffered when a ball was kicked against his leg when the gunners played Sunderland, after it hit his leg it looped over the Sunderland Keeper and got a goal for Arsenal which was mixed emotions for the skipper. It is a real anxiety for the gunners as they have suffered defeats on the trot in the English premiership without the Spaniards services, although they bounced back against Birmingham at the weekend. Both Shaktar and Arsenal have won their opening 2 games and whoever is the victor tonight in London could all but definitely secure a second round place. Wenger is in 2 minds at the moment on whether to feature his star midfielder or whether to hold him back and not risk him doing more damage to himself with a premature return.
"Cesc has prepared well. He had a little setback, but got over the hurdle and is ready to play at full fitness, but whether I start him or not, I do not know yet,'' Wenger said. "It will be whether I take a gamble or not, because he has been out for a long time. But physically he is ready and fit - and wanting to play. You know his influence on our team, he is our leader, our passer, he has a good level of assists and a good goalscoring record. Ideally you want him in the team.''
Shaktar are flying this season with a perfect 100% defensive record in Europe and winning 15 out of 17 games in their domestic league. Wenger is not naive to the challenge he faces tonight.
"In this group until now you had 12 points at stake - six went to Shakhtar, six went to Arsenal. That means what is at stake is the qualifying and also the top of the group, which is why it is a very important game. It is a key game because it gives us an opportunity to basically think we have qualified."
Arsenal will see the return of Jack Wilshere, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott and their attacking options are increased from these additions.
Eduardo has a heartfelt return to the emirates tonight and is unlikely to cheer if he's to net against his former associates as they helped him comeback from a horrific leg injury suffered in 2008 against Birmingham in which his leg was broken and ankle was dislocated. He knew it was the right time to leave Arsenal in the summer but still holds the club dear to his heart.
"It was great times here with Arsenal, but now I am on the other side and play for Shakhtar,'' said Eduardo. "I will give them 100%, am ready to play and will give my all best tomorrow.''He added: "I don't think I will celebrate. I respect the club. I had some great moments here and have respect for the supporters and Mr Wenger, for the club. I came from Croatia and learned a lot at Arsenal. Now I have more experience than before. When you play for Dinamo Zagreb and someone like Mr Wenger finds you, takes you to play in the Premier League, that is big respect. He believed in me. But now the most important thing is that now I am on the other side I will give all my best tomorrow. If I score, it will be good for Shakhtar. Hopefully we can finish with a positive result."
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