The Gunners should play a second string in the return leg against Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 and keep players fresh for title challenge.
Arsene Wenger rarely gives up but even the Arsenal manager said it will be almost “impossible” for the club to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League after Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to Barcelona.
The Gunners need a miracle at Camp Nou on March 16 and it was clear that Wenger has all but given up on making the last eight as he slammed an “average” and “naive” performance that was punished by two second-half goals from Lionel Messi.