The Spain centre-back has been missing the middle of January with a knee problem and, despite being able to train in recent days, he is not yet to return to action.

Barca trail 2-1 from the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie with Arsene Wenger`s men.

Meanwhile, Barca have confirmed that coach Pep Guardiola will spend a fifth successive night in hospital this evening due to his back problem.

Guardiola, who is suffering from a herniated disc, was first admitted to hospital following Wednesday night`s win at Valencia and, although he was given the go-ahead to sit on the bench for last night`s victory over Real Zaragoza at the Nou Camp, he returned to hospital afterwards and was absent from this morning's training session.

The 40-year-old is still scheduled to attend tomorrow`s pre-match conference at the Nou Camp along with midfielder Sergio Busquets.