Standard Liege coach Laszlo Boloni has admitted defeat in trying to force star striker Milan Jovanovic to play through the pain against Arsenal.
Boloni had originally insisted the Serbia international would travel to London, sparking rumours of a rift as the player maintained he would not be fit to play due to a thigh problem.
But despite the best efforts of Standard's medical staff, Jovanovic has been left behind and Boloni said: "Unfortunately, I have to leave Jovanovic out. He has struggled with injury since the first match against Arsenal.
"He has not trained properly and he returned from international duty injured. Against Gent on Saturday, he played almost on one leg."
Although they will be without their danger man in Jovanovic, Standard were only narrowly beaten by Liverpool and Everton last season and Boloni believes his team should draw strength from their previous outings against English opposition.
"It is always a great feeling to come to England and play in a football temple such as this one," he said. "Standard have played well in England before and we hope to continue that.
"After what we did against Liverpool, Everton and even in the 3-2 defeat by Arsenal in the first game, I think that they will have a good word for us and show us respect.
"We must do more than just fight. It is not easy to wage war without the ball.
"We will be organised and do our utmost to play to our strengths. Our team is very young but I don't think that they will be overawed by playing in front of a big crowd in such a big stadium."
