Champions League:Arsenal will again be without their summer signing Eduardo da Silva for tonight's first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Sparta Prague.

The Croatia striker failed to recover from the minor ankle problem that kept him out of Saturday's Premier League victory over Fulham and did not travel with the rest of the squad to the Czech Republic.

Midfielders Abou Diaby and Denilson were also missing, understood to be because of ankle problems, so manager Arsène Wenger was expected to name an unchanged side.

Emmanuel Adebayor is still not fit following a groin injury picked up during pre-season, and the veteran midfielder Gilberto will not be included after being given an extended break following Brazil's victory in the Copa America.

Wenger knows it will not be an easy ride against the Czech champions at the Axa Arena tonight.

"It is a vital match," the Arsenal manager said in Prague last night.

"We want to be in the group stage. Nobody invites you to get in the on red carpet. Sparta are a good team and the first game is very important."

Wenger intends for the Gunners to "fight" on both the domestic and European fronts this season.

Firstly, however, they must negotiate safe passage past the Czech side.

Meanwhile, the Fulham manager, Lawrie Sanchez, has admitted he may have been hasty in accusing Arsenal of "simulation" during their clash on Sunday.

The former Northern Ireland manager pointed the finger at the Gunners for going to ground too easily.

But now Sanchez has reviewed the incidents, he has apologised for his outburst, admitting, "Sometimes I shoot from the hip, and in that instance perhaps I should have waited a little longer."

Sparta Prague v Arsenal

Axa Arena

Kick-off:7.45