Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Cesc Fabregas have been ruled out in tomorrow’s Champions League last 16 second leg tie against FC Porto after sustaining another hamstring injury in the first-half of Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.
“He’s ruled out for tomorrow’s game – we can’t take a gamble,” said Wenger in Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“He has damaged his hamstring. Ideally you want him there but the absence of Cesc is not any excuse, we have enough players and a strong enough squad.”
Wenger also said that the injury is not for a long term although he did not confirm if he will be fit by Saturday as they take on Hull City in Premier League clash.
. “He has a scan today and we will know more,” he said in Monday's pre-match conference.
“We are all convinced it will be small amount of time – next weekend he has a small chance against Hull, if not the week after. To play again tomorrow would be significant damage and be out for a month. He gave a lot, he plays in every single game. We have to find out why it is always the same hamstring.”
The absence of Fabregas means that inform Samir Nasri will take the new role with his standard skills and tenacity like he excelled last Saturday at Emirates Stadium.
“He started the season with a fibula fracture and it took him a while to get back to his best,” said Wenger. “Now he gets stronger, more confident. He is very versatile and can play defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder or on the flanks. We have a few like that and I love that. If you ask any player they say they want to play in middle but with his pace he can play on the flanks as well.”
Arsenal lost 2-1 in the first leg against Porto in Portugal after Fabiansk warded free goals to the hosts and they are supposed to score at least once if they want to progress in the competition.
Wenger however said they have a good opportunity and have a lot of chances to make history as they have an advantage of an away goal.
“We have a good opportunity, we have good chances to make history,” said Wenger. “To score away from home is still a massive advantage in Uefa rules; that is why we are confident that we can do it. We have scored, that is a massive difference. 1-0 away would be a terrible result. It’s completely different. We know it’s a tricky game. We believe we can do it, we have good confidence, we are in a good position so let’s just go for it. Any scenario that qualifies us is positive."
Wenger also said that he still keeps faith in Nicklas Bendtner although the Dunne missed a lot of chances that would have given him a famous hat-trick on Saturday against Burnley.
“He is on the way up in his overall game and contribution,” said Wenger. “He isolates the factor why he missed and gets it right into the next game. I’m convinced that he is really improving at the moment. For me, it was an isolated game.”
Arsenal defender, William Gallas has also ruled out with calf problem but Sol Campbel and Alex Song are all back in the squad.
Photo: Reuters
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