Wenger was unconcerned about the travel and explained his key reason for resting Fabregas and Hleb was to give them a mental break before the hectic festive season.

The Gunners boss revealed he plans to do the same with two other players when Arsenal, who qualified for the knockout stages with their goalless draw in Prague, travel to Sevilla at the end of the month.

The Gunners manager explained: “Part of the reason for omitting them was just to get them out of football. Sometimes it is better to leave a player out of the team completely rather than putting him on to bench so he gets a mental rest for a couple of days.”

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona’s academy and his presence at the Nou Camp inevitably set tongues wagging about a possible return to Catalonia.

One Spanish newspaper sent a journalist to Arsenal’s training ground yesterday specifically to inquire about Fabregas’ availability.

He was given short shrift.

“This is no story,” said Wenger. “Fabregas is under contract with us. If Barcelona want to buy any player under contract then I’ll give them my phone number. But I think they have it because they just bought Thierry Henry.”

Does that mean Wenger would be open to an offer?

“No chance,” he insisted.

Wenger made eight changes for the Slavia Prague match and is set to reshuffle the pack for Monday night’s clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Fabregas and Hleb are both set to return as the Gunners look to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 27.

They currently top the Barclays Premier League on goal difference from Manchester United and have a game in hand over the defending champions.

Gilberto said: “It’s very important to keep this going. It gives us a lot more confidence. The next game is away at Reading and we will face another difficult game but not to lose an away

game is very important for the team.”