Wenger cool over pair's trip

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The midfield pair had been rested from Arsenal's clash at Slavia Prague on the same night and used their time off to visit Fabregas' former club - but Wenger was unconcerned and explained his key reason for resting Fabregas and Hleb was to give them a mental break before the hectic festive season.

The Gunners manager explained: "Part of the reason for omitting them was just to get them out of football. Sometimes it is better to leave a player out of the team completely rather than putting him on to bench so he gets a mental rest for a couple of days."

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona's academy and his presence at the Nou Camp inevitably set tongues wagging about a possible return to Catalonia.

One Spanish newspaper sent a journalist to Arsenal's training ground on Friday specifically to inquire about Fabregas' availability - but he was given short shrift.

"This is no story," said Wenger. "Fabregas is under contract with us. If Barcelona want to buy any player under contract then I'll give them my phone number. But I think they have it because they just bought Thierry Henry."

Does that mean Wenger would be open to an offer?

"No chance," he insisted.