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Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas ruled out of Champions League clash with Porto
Midfielder's hamstring injury keeps him out of crucial European tie....
8 Mar 2010 14:31:00
By Alex Dimond
Cesc Fabregas will not be fit in time for Arsenal's crucial Champions League tie against Porto on Tuesday night after he missed training on Monday.
The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates at the weekend, and his absence from training led to confirmation that will not play for his side in their crucial second leg tie against the Portuguese champions.
The Gunners are 2-1 down after the first leg, and manager Arsene Wenger said at the weekend that he would be prepared to risk his captain in order to get his side through to the quarter-finals.
But the midfielder's injury has now proved serious enough to rule him out of the game.
"We cannot even take a gamble because he is just not available," Wenger informed reporters at his press conference today.
"We were quite cautious with him, he was not adamant about coming off [during the Burnley game] but still he has damaged his hamstring and we cannot take a gamble on him."
Fabregas has previously missed almost a month of action this season with a similar injury (sustained on December 27 against Aston Villa) and the Frenchman will hope another long lay-off is not on the cards.
Abou Diaby, Denilson and Alexandre Song will all be available to replace the Spaniard. But the 22-year-old's absence will be a massive blow.
"Ideally you want him to be there but you want to qualify and the absence of Cesc is not any excuse at all," Wenger added.
"We have enough players and a strong enough squad to get round that and a very good chance to qualify.
"I think this team has good chances to make it through because we are very hungry and in a very strong position. We want to win tomorrow and we have scored away from home.
"That is still a massive advantage in the UEFA rules and that is why we are confident we can do it."
There was some good news for Wenger today, however, as defender Sol Campbell took part in training and looks likely to be available for selection.
The Englishman seems to have overcome a groin problem that kept him out at the weekend.
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The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates at the weekend, and his absence from training led to confirmation that will not play for his side in their crucial second leg tie against the Portuguese champions.
The Gunners are 2-1 down after the first leg, and manager Arsene Wenger said at the weekend that he would be prepared to risk his captain in order to get his side through to the quarter-finals.
But the midfielder's injury has now proved serious enough to rule him out of the game.
"We cannot even take a gamble because he is just not available," Wenger informed reporters at his press conference today.
"We were quite cautious with him, he was not adamant about coming off [during the Burnley game] but still he has damaged his hamstring and we cannot take a gamble on him."
Fabregas has previously missed almost a month of action this season with a similar injury (sustained on December 27 against Aston Villa) and the Frenchman will hope another long lay-off is not on the cards.
Abou Diaby, Denilson and Alexandre Song will all be available to replace the Spaniard. But the 22-year-old's absence will be a massive blow.
"Ideally you want him to be there but you want to qualify and the absence of Cesc is not any excuse at all," Wenger added.
"We have enough players and a strong enough squad to get round that and a very good chance to qualify.
"I think this team has good chances to make it through because we are very hungry and in a very strong position. We want to win tomorrow and we have scored away from home.
"That is still a massive advantage in the UEFA rules and that is why we are confident we can do it."
There was some good news for Wenger today, however, as defender Sol Campbell took part in training and looks likely to be available for selection.
The Englishman seems to have overcome a groin problem that kept him out at the weekend.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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