Arsene Wenger calls for "calm" ahead of tricky Barcelona tie

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that the club must remain "calm and strong" following a poor run of recent results.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup at the weekend and also find themselves 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City, with a game in hand to play on their rivals.

To make matters worse for Arsenal, who have won only one of their last seven fixtures, they head into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona on Wednesday night needing to overturn a two-goal deficit.

While progressing through to the quarter-finals may be a tough ask, Wenger believes that a positive showing from his side will be enough to spearhead a late charge for the Prem title.

"We have gone through a disappointing spell and it is important to remain calm and strong," he told reporters. "It will be a big boost for the rest of the season if we have a great game tomorrow.

"We fight to win trophies and at the moment we are not favourites to deliver that this season. But no matter how big the challenge is, the Premier League is quite open despite what people think, and in the Champions League we have a very small chance to give our best tomorrow."

Wenger also confirmed that Laurent Koscielny will be fit to play a part at Camp Nou, having taken part in training on Tuesday morning.