Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas’ season may have come grinding to a halt after falling victim to what he suspects may be a broken leg during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the Champion’s League.
The midfielder limped off the field following his penalty saying: “I fear the worst, which is that I have broken something,”
“It is the fibula. I think I put my leg between [Carles] Puyol’s when I was fouled, and kicked it.”
What Arsenal received in terms of an excellent comeback result, they more than paid for in injury costs – with defender William Gallas picking up a suspected calf injury, and Andrey Arshavin also facing an absent spell.
Gallas was stretchered off before half-time and is likely to miss the rest of the Gunners title campaign, while Arshavin’s injury seems less serious as he told his website he expects to be back in only two to three weeks.
Arsene Wenger admitted he had taken a risk playing Gallas.
“Gallas has a calf strain and will be out for a while now,” said Wenger. “I took a gamble that didn’t pay off. Yes I regret that now. Arshavin has also done his calf.”
Fabregas was visibly in pain after scoring his spot-kick, leaving the Emirates on crutches only after helping his side pick up a draw against his boyhood club.
“When I took the penalty, I was quite strong, but after when I went to get the ball, I could not walk any more,” he added.
The Spaniard will miss the return leg in Barcelona regardless after picking up a second booking during the competition, however, he will be hoping the injury will not affect his World Cup prospects.
“We have to wait, but I hope I can wear the Arsenal shirt again this season,” he added.
“I do not think it is going to be good news, but still I hope there will be.”
Victor Chandler have Barcelona at 2/5 to win when the two sides meet in the return leg.