There was a lot of questions asked as to why Mexico’s Carlos Vela was not in the squad who travelled to Barcelona for yesterday’s Champions League game, which the Gunners lost 4-1 after a personal show from Lionel Messi. Today, it was reported by record.com.mx that the 21-year old lost his passport and was therefore not in a position to travel with the rest of his teammates for a game in which according to his agent, he could have also made it in the starting eleven, which could be true, considering Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky was rated 50:50 before the game and struggled to make an impact on the left at the Camp Nou.

Vela’s agent, Eduardo Hernández, is quoted as saying by the Mexican website how it is not yet known the reason why the passport of the youngster was not available, adding how there was indeed a possibility he would also start as regular in the game. Arsenal’s next game is next Wednesday, April 14, at White Hart Lane as the Gunners will be involved in what will surely be a fierce North London derby. Arsene Wenger will be without Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin for the game with Alex Song’s injury yet to be assessed after the Cameroon International suffered a knee injury on Monday.

- http://www.record.com.mx/futbol/vela-no-viajo-a-barcelona-ya-que-se-extravio-su-pasaporte-06042010.html