Arsene Wenger has challenged his depleted Arsenal side to bounce back from their mauling in Spain – and win at White Hart Lane. After a testing Tuesday, feeling the full force of a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona, the Gunners face an altogether different

Arsene Wenger has challenged his depleted Arsenal side to bounce back from their mauling in Spain - and win at White Hart Lane.

After a testing Tuesday, feeling the full force of a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona, the Gunners face an altogether different examination at Tottenham on Wednesday night.

This weekend's break from action will be most welcome as they untangle twisted limbs before their journey into enemy territory.

But with games running out, next week's north London derby is a must-win for an Arsenal side who must pick themselves up after their battering at the Nou Camp.

It is a big ask from the manager.

"The defeat (at Barcelona) is very difficult to handle because when you go out of the Champions League, the next day you are in front of a very empty future," said a clearly shell-shocked Wenger on Tuesday.

"We have to deal with the disappointment and make sure we are ready for the next game.

"Of course you worry because it is a big disappointment and we have to recover quickly because we cannot drop any points. That is why we have to recover and try to focus on the Premier League completely.

"For us over the years White Hart Lane has been a place where we have done well, so we will not go there with a negative history - but it forces you to focus straight away because you know it will be a derby.