Thierry Henry returns to Emirates with Barcelona for quarter-finals

REUTERS - The prospect of Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals had purists purring with delight but the Spanish side may overlook their usual flair in the first leg in London on Wednesday.

Though holders Barca have forwards Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in fine form and coach Pep Guardiola can also count on Frenchman Thierry Henry, who was with Arsenal when the Catalans prevailed 2-1 in the 2006 final between the sides, the Spaniard favours a cautious approach.

"We need to be solid and compact when we don't have the ball," Guardiola said on Tuesday. "You cannot attack well if you don't defend well."

Arsenal, the competition's top scorers so far this season with 18 goals, could be missing injured instrumental Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas who left Barcelona as a teenager seven years ago.

CSKA Moscow have asked UEFA for permission to wear black armbands in their last-eight match at Inter Milan after 39 people were killed by suicide bombers in the Russian capital on Monday.

Inter Milan's Brazilian centre back Lucio and compatriot midfielder Thiago Motta are suspended while teenage striker Mario Balotelli has been left out again after falling out with coach Jose Mourinho.