Fabregas battling to be fit for Barcelona reunion
ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas faces an agonising wait to see whether he will be fit enough for one of the most significant games of his career.
The Gunners issued a downbeat statement last night regarding the midfielder’s fitness for tomorrow’s clash with Barcelona, after he suffered a knee injury at Birmingham on Saturday.
Fabregas has not been ruled out and is desperate to feature against the European champions – with whom he spent his childhood years before moving to north London as a 16-year-old.
But Arsenal said the Catalan would receive further treatment for the severe bruising before a decision is made on his availability for the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
A club statement said: “Cesc Fabregas is still fighting to be fit for Wednesday’s tie against Barcelona. There is a chance he will be available. He continues to receive treatment for severe bruising to his knee and leg.” Arsenal have relied heavily on the 22-year-old this season and he has responded with consistent match-winning performances and a runaway personal best tally of 18 goals.
His absence would therefore be a major blow to Arsene Wenger’s hopes of dethroning Barcelona, although France star Samir Nasri has taken Fabregas’s place to great effect.
REMEMBER ME? | SOL FACES BARCA
Sol Campbell’s remarkable return to the top will take another twist if he faces Barcelona tomorrow.
The defender, 35, who started the season at League Two Notts County before rejoining Arsenal in January, scored for the Gunners in the 2006 final defeat to Barca.