Bendtner ready to thrive in his toughest test so far

The Swiss centre-half could again partner William Gallas at the heart of Arsenal's defence as Toure is still struggling with a calf problem picked up against West Brom last Wednesday.

The Gunners dominated the first leg against last season's Serie A runners-up and were somewhat unfortunate not to be taking more than an unanswered goal to the Olympic Stadium. But Djourou has vowed they will not sit back and defend despite the precarious aggregate scoreline.

He said: "It's a big game and we are in a good position because we won the first leg, although we could maybe have been in an even better position.

"It's going to be a difficult game but it's a trophy we are looking to win. We're going to have to give everything to get that result because we can't go there just to defend and worry about not conceding. Roma are going to come out and try and win the game."

Luciano Spalletti's side are hopeful of having strike duo Francesco Totti and Mirko Vucinic available after injury.

Roma captain Totti, who looked unfit for the first leg at Emirates Stadium, was not risked in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Udinese because of a knee problem but is expected to take part in light training today. Striker Vucinic, who scored twice against Chelsea in the group stages, is struggling with a back problem but is winning his race to be fit, with a place on the bench now considered a last resort.