Already faced with combating the spellbinding skills of Ronaldinho and the predatory instincts of Samuel Eto'o in the Champions League final on May 17, Arsenal could also have to face the player many Barcelona fans consider the club's best.
Xavi Hernandez, the Spain midfielder and Barca lynchpin, is back in action and ready to slot straight back into Frank Rijkaard's midfield for the clash at the Stade de France.
Xavi tore cruciate ligaments in a collision with team-mate Edmilson on December 2 but has worked his way back to full fitness and made his long-awaited return to first-team action on April 29 in the 1-0 defeat of Cadiz at the Nou Camp.