Arsenal will face a Barcelona side without influential midfielder Andres Iniesta after he was ruled out of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with a hamstring injury.

The Spain international was replaced just after half-time in last night’s Primera Division win over Real Mallorca and, after undergoing tests today, it was announced that he is likely to be sidelined for around 10 days.

Barcelona were once more imperious in their victory over Mallorca despite a seemingly narrow 1-0 win.

The match was decorated by a piece of improvisation by Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovich that, though Lionel Messi failed to score, had commentators purring.

If the prognosis on his injury is proved correct it would mean Iniesta missing the Champions League quarter-final first leg with Arsenal and next weekend’s league match with Athletic Bilbao.

The last time Iniesta was in London for a major Champions League fixture he scored Barcelona’s decisive goal at Stamford Bridge in the ill-tempered semi-final triumph over Chelsea.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola will be keeping his fingers crossed the Euro 2008 winner will be available for the return leg against Arsenal and the away match with Real Madrid.

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has admitted that defeat in the Champions League final to the Blaugrana when he was an Arsenal player was his biggest disappointment during his time in London.

Henry was speaking at a press conference today, in anticipation of his return to his former club in midweek in the first leg tie at the Emirates Stadium.

He recalled the 2006 defeat, where Barcelona came from behind to defeat the Gunners, and that night still holds regret for the French international, amidst all the fond memories he holds from his time in English football.

He told journalists, “I spent eight years with Arsenal, and I knew I may have to return one day. It is strange, but I will give my best as I have always done.

“Every moment I spent in London was wonderful, with the exception of the defeat in the final of the Champions League in Paris. That was a very difficult time.”

The 32-year old, who began his career with Monaco before moving to Juventus and eventually Arsenal, had a special mention for former team-mate Cesc Fabregas, and insists that Barcelona are well aware of his abilities.

He added, “If you talk about Arsenal, you have to talk about Cesc. I played with him and I know what he can do. He is very intelligent and has spent a lot of years playing regularly.

“I would not say that there is a favourite for this match, I believe it will be very difficult.”