London, March 27:

Patrick Vieira is returning to play in London for the first time since Arsenal sold him to Juventus. He may not recognise his old team on Tuesday at Highbury in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Arsenal will field the youngest team left in the tournament when it faces the Italian champion.

In Tuesday’s other quarter-final, Benfica host tournament favou-rite FC Barcelona. On Wednesday, Inter Milan welcome Villarreal, and AC Milan visit Lyon.

Besides being the youngest team left in the competition, the Gunners are also one of three teams in the final eight which have yet to win Europe’s top club prize. Villarreal and Lyon are the others.

AC Milan have won the European Cup six times, while Juventus, Benfica and Inter have won twice, and Barcelona once.

Since Vieira moved to Juventus for $24 million last summer, Spanish teenager Cesc Fabregas has taken over at midfield, and Thierry Henry has replaced Vieira as captain. Cramped by the financial restraints of building its new stadium, Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger has gone to youth.

“Patrick will be highly motivated,” Wenger said. “Having the semi-final of the Champions League at stake is above personal motivations. You expect him to play at his best and you know the only way to come through is to play at your best.”

While Arsenal is fighting to finish in the top four in England, Juventus is the runaway leader in Italy and on course for its 29th title.

Juventus will be without two key players — injured striker Alessandro del Piero and suspended midfielder Pavel Nedved. Defender Jonathan Zebina is also questionable.

Spanish leader Barcelona will be the heavy favourite against Benfica, having boosted its chances by resting Ronaldinho and Deco in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Malaga.

But Barcelona could have problems on defence with Carles Puyol suspended and Rafael Marquez, Edmilson and Lionel Messi injured. Barcelona won Europe’s top title in 1992.

Benfica will be without suspended striker Nuno Gomes. “We know we can surprise them, but we must also respect Barcelona and acknowledge that they have a great team,” said Benfica coach Ronald Koeman, who scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the ‘92 final against Sampdoria.