Post-Fabregas, Arsenal focuses on Champions League

With Cesc Fabregas' drawn-out departure over, Arsenal must recover from the loss of its captain to avoid missing out on the Champions League.

The Gunners have played in the lucrative group stage every season since 1998-99, but need to beat Italian side Udinese in the playoffs to advance, the consequence of last season's fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

Manager Arsene Wenger said a positive result for his players in the first leg on Tuesday will ''strengthen their belief.''

''I understand everybody's worry, but I believe as well a club is a united front,'' Wenger said Monday. ''Our players need the support from our fans.

''It is an important period for this club, but I am confident we will get over it in a very successful way. We need to remain united.''

Arsenal will not only be without Fabregas after Barcelona's ?29 million ($42 million) deal went through, as midfielder Jack Wilshere is injured and striker Robin van Persie is suspended.

Samir Nasri is also suspended, but the midfielder, who has one year remaining on his contract, has been linked with a move to Manchester City.

While the France international did not play in Saturday's season-opening 0-0 draw at Newcastle, he expressed unhappiness Monday that fans were criticizing him with chants at St. James' Park.

''I heard what the fans were singing about me on Saturday and it is really disrespectful because I'm still a (sic) arsenal player,'' Nasri wrote on Twitter.

Wenger said he is still working to keep Nasri at Arsenal while conceding ''we still need to bring in one or two players in because we are a bit short.''

''We have lost a world-class player (in Fabregas) but many big players have left and the club went on,'' Wenger said.

After the lackluster start to the Premier League, the pressure is on the team to impress in the Champions League on Tuesday. Fans have been concerned about the lack of big-name recruits in the offseason, even jeering the team after a preseason friendly setback.

''It is important there is a love between the fans and the players,'' Wenger said. ''The players have shown their commitment which deserves the support of our fans.''

Banishing the negativity surrounding the Emirates Stadium will be key to Wenger now that Fabregas is back at Barcelona after eight years.

''Our fans can be proud of the way we run this club, of the quality of player we have and of the financial situation,'' Wenger said.

But the only significant offseason signings have been Ivory Coast striker Gervinho and 17-year-old English winger Alex Chamberlain, whose previous experience has been limited to the third tier with Southampton.

While Fabregas has gone, a big-name replacement has yet to arrive.

''To spend the money on a top player is defendable, but just to spend the money is like you are worried,'' Wenger said.

Wenger is suspended from the touchline Tuesday following an outbursts at a referee following Arsenal's last-16 loss to Barcelona last season.

Arsenal is hosting an Udinese side that made its last Champions League appearance in 2005-06 - the season Wenger's team reached the final and lost to Barcelona.

''It's going to be a match with a lot of suffering - meaning we're going to have to run a lot,'' Udinese midfielder Giampiero Pinzi said. ''But we're extremely motivated, because these are the matches you dream about as a kid.''

Udinese manager Francesco Guidolin has worked at several lower and midlevel Serie A clubs - Atalanta, Vicenza, Bologna, Palermo, Parma - since 1993. But he has never previously taken charge of a team in Europe's elite knockout competition.

''I've been chasing this cup my entire life and now finally it's here,'' Guidolin said. ''I hope we're up to the task against such a strong opponent. The important thing is not show fear, to focus on the details and when we're not in possession.''

Udinese's squad has seen the departure of a key player since clinching fourth place in Serie A on goal difference, with Alexis Sanchez sold to Barcelona for ?26 million ($37 million). The only significant preseason signings have been defender Danilo from Palmeiras and forward Paulo Barreto from Bari.

Forward Antonio Floro Flores did not make the trip to London due to a muscle problem, and defender Maurizio Domizzi is also out.