The potential call-up comes because Grimandi and Keown are both suspended, for a swipe at Simeone and an accumulation of yellow cards respectively, and Adams still has a problem with his back.

So Luzhny is almost definite to start, with Dixon returning to right-back (perhaps explaining why he was rested at the weekend, or could Lauren be preferred for this game too?). With Rhys Weston off to Cannes and Stepanovs ineligible for the Champions League having been signed too late, Upson is likely to partner him.

Matty and Igors were quite solid for the reserves last week, a match which saw Stepanovs make his debut, and Upson his first game since suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Leicester 11 months ago.

Still, there's a chance that Wenger will surprise us all and play Adams anyway.

Sparta aren't out of the competition yet, so will be up for the game and boosted by going top of the Czech league at the weekend. But even if they were to beat us tomorrow, their only chance of avoiding elimination from the competition is for Shakhtar to beat Lazio in Rome. An outcome which everyone at Highbury will be hoping for.