Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Cesc Fabregas to ruin Steve McClaren's Champions League debut with FC Twente in the third qualifying round on Wednesday.

"Playing Arsenal will be a great experience for the players and if they don't become better players after playing against Arsenal, they shouldn't be in football," McClaren said.

"That's how you learn. That's how you grow and playing against one of the best teams in Europe, obviously the players will grow from that."

"I really don't know and I don't care," McClaren said. "I know what I am, who I am and the most important people to me are those around me, those I've worked with.

"People have called me up to say, 'We admire you because of the gamble you've taken.' I don't see it like that, I see it as a challenge. Although I've had success and I've managed England, I still have a lot to learn."

While McClaren bids for redemption, Wenger has loftier ambitions. He wants to erase the painful memories of last season's Champions League quarter-final exit against Liverpool and Fabregas is the key to achieving that target.

The Spanish star has returned from his post Euro 2008 break just in time because Wenger has been unable to sign replacements for departed central midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva.

Wenger has gone on record with his desire to bring in a new partner for Fabregas, but links with Gokhan Inler, Udinese's Swiss international, Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, Manchester City's Michael Johnson and Xabi Alonso of Liverpool have yet to yield a positive conclusion.

So, although Fabregas is still of full match fitness, the midfielder's presence at Vitesse Arnhem's Gelrodome will be reassuring for Wenger.

"I believe Cesc will be ready for Wednesday. He has worked very hard since he came back," Wenger said.

"You cannot say he will be at his best, but he will be fit enough.

"To win big trophies makes you more confident and gives you something you can pass on to the team around you.

"At 21 he already has a lot of experience. He is an intelligent boy. But I would not like to put too much pressure on him.

"We know every single player in his area is very important. Cesc in midfield is a player now who has maybe more experience than the others."

October 2007 News