Cesc Fabregas knows Arsenal's young side will face the sternest test yet of their potential when they take on holders AC Milan for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the San Siro in two weeks' time.

The Gunners failed to capitalise on their dominance in last night's goalless first leg, when the Serie A giants were made to look ordinary for long spells.

Indeed, but for the width of a crossbar in stoppage time when Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor smashed his close-range header against the woodwork, Arsene Wenger's men could have taken a slender lead to Italy on March 4.

Nevertheless, it is set to be an intriguing return at the San Siro - where Milan have never lost to an English club, but the same stadium in which their city rivals Inter were thumped 5-1 by Arsenal five years ago.

Carlo Ancelotti's men will have to perform much better themselves if they are to progress towards a third final in four seasons, with World Player of the Year Kaka only having limited impact last night.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have to net an away goal to avoid the lottery of penalties, and so the Italians are sure to be wary of leaving themselves vulnerable to the quick counter-attack.

Fabregas, 20, admits it is a daunting challenge ahead of the Gunners - who will be missing injured defender Kolo Toure, but could welcome back striker Robin van Persie to the squad.

Yet it is one which the midfielder maintains they are ready to meet head on.

"After a big defeat against Manchester United at the weekend we came back well and came back strong," said Fabregas.

"We had quite a lot of chances but in football you have to take them. Hopefully we won't regret it and we can go there, play the same way and I am sure we can win."

Fabregas added: "We are a positive side, we are young - but even that having seen what we have seen we can cope with their pace, their experience and we can create chances.

"If we can score a goal I think we have a good opportunity to go through.

"But it is very difficult. They have a lot of experience, they know how to play, they defend very well, they are very intelligent.

"They never play around, if they have to kick it out, they will.

"It is the hardest team we could get, especially so early - but if you want to be the best you have to beat the best and they are one of the hardest teams to beat in the world."

Adebayor maintains he will not dwell on the stoppage-time miss, with AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze appearing to tug the striker's shirt just as he went to connect with the ball.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes everyone must now forget about what might have been, and remain focussed on what is coming next.

"Ade had the chance at the end, but that happens. He has scored so many goals for us," said the Frenchman.

"We have no choice now - we have to go over there and win the second leg.

"We have the quality to go over there and win the game to qualify.

"We have been playing together a few years now and already been to the final of the Champions League, so we cannot say we are inexperienced, too young, that is not a problem.

"We have beaten teams like Real Madrid and Juventus before so it's important to demonstrate that on the pitch again."

Flamini added: "We will have to deal with the midfield battle - after that we can play our game. It is important to be ready for the fight."

France international Flamini, 23, is out of contract in the summer, but hopes talks over a new deal will have a positive outcome.

He said: "I hope I will stay.

"I am having a lot of fun at Arsenal, I get on very well with the team.

"I am happy here so I hope that everything is going to be all right."

Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League, and resume domestic action against relegation battlers Birmingham at St Andrews on Saturday lunchtime.

Wenger has now revealed Toure could be back in action sooner than originally thought, and may even be in contention for the second leg against Milan on March 4.

"The news is maybe a bit better," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"For me on Wednesday night it looked like he would be out for two to four weeks. The way he was walking perhaps four - but today the medical staff said to me it would be closer to two than four."

While Toure's prognosis is clearly more positive, the Arsenal manager maintains he will not be pushing Van Persie into a swift return.

The 24-year-old has been plagued by fitness problems all season, having opened the campaign in fine form.

Van Persie last appeared for the Gunners in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on January 9, but was substituted at the interval.

Wenger has no intentions of rushing the Dutchman this time.

The Arsenal manager said: "No. Robin is not a very long away from being fit at all, but he lacks match-practice.

"Could he be in the squad for Milan? Maybe - but don't forget he has not played regularly for five months now."

Wenger has some more immediate concerns ahead of the Birmingham game.

Winger Emmanuel Eboue is suspended following his red card in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United. Alex Hleb (foot) and Adebayor (stiff neck) are slight doubts.

However, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia expects to be back in action after first missing out through a hand injury, and then being laid low with a virus.

More news from SportingLife.com