Arsene Wenger drops Theo Walcott for Arsenal's San Siro showdown in the Champions League

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Theo Walcott has been dropped from the Arsenal team for tonight's Champions League return against AC Milan.

The 18-year-old, who has started Arsenal's last two matches and scored his first Premier League goals against Birmingham 10 days ago, has been left out in favour of Emmanuel Eboue, who is serving a domestic suspension but is eligible in Europe.

Robin van Persie will be on the bench after finally recovering from injuries and is likely to be involved if Arsenal are struggling to break the deadlock in a tie that is delicately poised at 0-0 from the first leg.

Wenger has promised that Arsenal will not just sit back and play for penalties.

He said: "The good way of the result we made [in the first leg] is we know just defending is not good enough.

"We have nothing to protect and know we want to score goals. We are top of our League and we are coming here with confidence.

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"The tempo is going to be very important because we are playing against a big team in Milan. It will be very difficult but we have to be strong, play our own game and score one more goal than them.

"We created some chances in the first game, so we know we can score. I think we have the quality to do it."

Arsene Wenger is also confident his young side can progress to the last eight of Europe's most prestigious competition but does not believe their season depends on victory tonight.

"If you ask me, can we overcome this hurdle? Then I say yes," said the manager. "Let's go into the game with that mind set. I am confident and am very proud of what the team has done until now, but I am sure I will be prouder at the end of the season.

"I believe this side will improve no matter what happens on Tuesday night. We will be a great side.

"If you ask me we are as strong as Milan. The form of the day will decide tonight. But this team will achieve great things."

Manager Arsene Wenger will employ a 4-4-1-1 formation in the San Siro with Alexander Hleb supporting leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor in attack.