Abby Brammell

Concern: Fabregas injured his right knee at Birmingham


Cesc Fabregas missed training with Arsenal today and boss Arsene Wenger admits his captain is a major doubt to face Barcelona tomorrow.

The midfielder suffered severe bruising to his right knee and leg during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham and is running out of time to prove his fitness before the Champions League quarter-final first leg



Wenger confirmed: 'He did not train this morning and at moment he is not fit to play. We will give him 24 hours more, but I don't know if he will be available.

'If the game were today, he would not play. If he is not capable to play, I would not take a gamble and put him on the bench


In the running: Vela, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Eboue and Denilson train, but Arsenal skipper Fabregas is nowhere to be seen


Fabregas is desperate to play against the team with whom he spent six years before joining the north London club

Although the Spain international might not be available, centre back William Gallas has returned to training after missing eight games with a calf problem and will be in the squad.

Wenger has been short on defensive options, with Kieran Gibbs and Johann Djourou also out. The absences have led to Sol Campbell becoming a regular since his surprise return to the club in the winter.


Comeback trail: Gallas (front) hasn't played since February


Thomas Vermaelen should partner Campbell in the centre of defence against Barcelona after the Belgian served a one-match ban.

Abou Diaby also picked up a slight knock in the Birmingham match. Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin, are struggling with groin and knee problems respectively, but both were able to train at London Colney.


source: dailymail