Diaby in, Djourou out

Arsenal's defensive problems have increased with the news that Johan Djourou is definitely ruled out of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Villarreal.

A knee injury means that Swiss international Djourou joins fellow defenders William Gallas and Gael Clichy, as well as first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, on the sidelines.

"Both Djourou and Clichy are unfortunately out," Arsene Wenger said at his pre-match news conference. "Djourou has a knee problem. He will have a scan today but we fear a cartilage (injury)."

One piece of good news for Arsene Wenger is that versatile midfielder Abou Diaby has made the squad after recovering from a thigh injury sustained on international duty last month.

Villarreal will be without captain and talismanic midfielder Marcos Senna, who limped out of the 2-0 defeat to Malaga at the weekend with hamstring trouble. Senna opened the scoring in the first leg at El Madrigal before Emanuel Adebayor equalised with a stunning overhead kick.
The Spanish side - currently fourth in La Liga, are also without influential winger Santi Cazorla, although midfield duo Cani and Mati Fernandez have recovered to make the trip.