Arsene Wenger maintains his young Gunners can cope without injured captain Cesc Fabregas against Celtic.

The Spain international is recovering from a hamstring problem, on which scans have revealed only minor damage, and he is back in contention to return for Saturday's Barclays Premier League showdown at Manchester United.

Czech winger Tomas Rosicky is training again following his injury lay-off, and also may be included this weekend.

However, before the Gunners look to extend their 100% domestic start, there is the small matter of the return leg of their European tie, in which they defend a 2-0 lead.

Wenger has utilised a fluid 4-3-3 formation this season to great effect, with Fabregas flanked by defensive cover.

Wales youngster Aaron Ramsey replaced Fabregas at half-time against Portsmouth on Saturday, when he netted his first league goal, while Abou Diaby also laid down his own marker with a brace in the 4-1 win.

"Cesc's scan was quite reassuring," revealed Wenger.

"He has no muscular strain, but it will take a few days to settle down. There is a chance he will be fit for Old Trafford."

The Arsenal manager continued: "I rest players who I feel need a rest without considering the game after.

"My target is to win tomorrow's game, it's a massive game for us and after that we will see what we do for the weekend.

"It is not job done, it is job to do, to finish. That is how I approach it.

"Celtic have no choice - they will have to come out and have a go at us.

"We will be faithful to our tactical approach and will try to put them under pressure, play very high up and try to win the game."

Tony Mowbray believes it is unwise to write Celtic off but admits the Hoops are pinning all their hopes on scoring first.

Should Arsenal add a third to the two they scored in the first leg, Mowbray admits the match will effectively be over but he is confident his side will give Wenger some uncomfortable moments.

"It's a difficult task after the first leg but it's a game we're looking forward to. I've talked about trying to score the first goal," said Mowbray.

"In any match the third goal is a very crucial one - it's either when the game's put to bed or the team who was 2-0 up get very nervous.

"We're at half-time in this tie and we need the goal. I don't think Arsene Wenger will have written us off. He's way too good at his job to have done that.

"I'm sure he'd like to score the goal so that he can relax while sitting on the bench.

"But if we score first then he won't be relaxing and it won't be a case of bringing some players off to rest them for Manchester United."

Arsenal will be without England forward Theo Walcott (back), reserve goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (knee), France winger Samir Nasri (broken leg) and defender Johan Djourou (knee), who all continue their rehabilitation.

Celtic midfielder Landry N'Guemo will miss the clash through suspension while Stephen McManus and Barry Robson did not travel south with the squad.