Tough-tackling Cesc shows our spirit - Wenger

The Arsenal boss showed little remorse over Fabregas's crunching tackle that ended Repka's participation in the first leg a fortnight ago after the Sparta defender had claimed the Gunners could be bullied - and appears happy to see more of the same.

Combative: Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas

"I'm sorry if Fabregas injured Repka but Repka in the press conference was not very subtle and that's why it happened," argued Wenger.

"We have to show that people can't say anything about the team lacking aggression but we want to play good football and not get involved in any controversy.

"We have no suspicions about tonight's game. Repka was a very committed player but it's difficult to accept what he said on television. "I don't worry about Cesc being so committed. It's part of being young and playing in centre midfield.

"It's part of Cesc's character. I don't think Repka will go looking for him tonight."

While Repka is expected to be fit tonight, Gunners keeper Jens Lehmann is ruled out with an Achilles injury - although reports have suggested he has been dropped after two high profile blunders against Fulham and Blackburn.

Lehmann's future now appears to be in doubt and Wenger admitted: "Whether Jens is still No1 or not goes from game to game.

"I have the highest respect for Jens. But saying Jens will be first choice when he gets back from injury is asking me to say that no matter how well Almunia plays, he will always be dropped for Jens.

"You can never say that to a player because it means his performance is not important."