The underachievers of English football have found some solace in Europe this season, having seen both Manchester United and City crash out.
AC Milan have themselves suffered elimination at the hands of English clubs in each of the last three seasons and will be keen to break the jinx this time around.
Milan may welcome back Nesta, Pato and Boateng after the trio returned to training last week.
They could still be without at least half a dozen first team players for the visit of Arsenal, but the emergence of Stephan El Shaarawy has been a major positive for Max Allegri.
The youngster is likely to pair with Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the Italians go in search of goals to take into the second leg clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal themselves travel to the San Siro without a number of first team players.
German defender Per Mertesacker picked up an injury at the weekend against Sunderland and joins the likes of Jenkinson, Diaby, Andre Santos and Jack Wilshere for a spell on the sidelines.
"If I would think we have no chance to win the game I would stay at home. I don't like to waste my time," the Arsenal manager declared.
"I believe what makes football interesting is that you can win everywhere.
"We have shown we can win everywhere and I have full confidence in this team that we can do it.
"We will try to play our game. Milan are a good side. We think we are a good side. We will attack, they certainly will as well. So it should be a good game.
"The game will also mark the final appearance of club legend, Thierry Henry.
The Frenchman is set to return to New York on Thursday, while fellow forward Robin van Persie will remain the focal point in Arsenal's attack.
AC Milan form: WWLDLW
Arsenal form: LLLDWW
Last time they met: After a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in the first leg, Arsenal went to the San Siro and recorded a 2-0 win after goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor. They became the first team to beat AC Milan at the San Siro and deservedly reached the last eight of the 07/08 Champions League.
Wenger himself records his sides last visit to the San Siro:
"When we played here, Milan had won the European Cup the year before and we knocked them out,"
"We had an up and coming team that was full of confidence and a very young side as well. Since we have of course lost some players, but I feel we are again a strong team now.
"We are a team who is rebuilding confidence and I believe as well that this game will be important for that."
AC Milan V Arsenal - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.
Source: DSG
