The Gunners were dumped out of Europe by Barcelona in the Nou Camp for the second successive season, where they lost 3-1 on Tuesday night having seen striker Robin van Persie somewhat harshly sent off. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left fuming by the decision of Swiss referee Massimo Busacca to show the Dutchman a second yellow card on 56 minutes after he shot on goal following a marginal offside call when the Premier League club had just equalised through an own goal from Sergio Busquets. However, Barcelona - who trailed 2-1 from the first leg - were more than good value for their victory, dominating possession while the Gunners failed to muster a shot on target all night. It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Wenger's side, who suffered a shock Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham at Wembley. However, their hopes of a domestic double remain very much alive as they head to Premier League title rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Centre-back Djourou maintains Wenger's young Gunners can answer the critics and finally deliver when it matters most. "This team has a lot of character and we should be disappointed because we wanted to go through," the Swiss defender said. "However, we cannot be down too much because we have got a big game on Saturday, and also in the league we have big things to look forwards to. "There is only three points [difference] in the league, and so we will see. "We have to keep our heads up and keep working. "We are always going to be tested on how we respond, and the most important thing is to show we have the character to do that." Wenger hopes his battle-weary troops can produce the required performance at Old Trafford. "How big is this blow? We don't know. That depends on our response on Saturday at Manchester United," said the Arsenal manager, who could yet face UEFA action after his heated argument with referee Busacca after the final whistle last night. Arsenal were dealt another injury blow on Tuesday night when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny suffered a dislocated finger as he saved Dani Alves' free-kick after 16 minutes. The young Pole could now be facing an extended spell on the sidelines, leaving Manuel Almunia as the only fit senior keeper available. Szczesny said: "Let's hope it's not as bad as it could possibly be. Of course, I am worried I might be out for some time. "It is part of the game and there is nothing I can do at the moment. "I knew straight away I would have to come off and spent half-time with the doctor trying to find out what is wrong with my finger." Lukasz Fabianski has been ruled out for the rest of the season following shoulder surgery, while Vito Mannone has been troubled by a thigh injury while on loan at Hull. Should Szczesny also be sidelined for a significant spell, Arsenal may have to draw on inexperienced youngster James Shea as cover or enter the emergency loan market.
