Soccer
Fabregas to miss FA Cup tie
2011-03-10 17:39
London - Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will miss Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury.
Fabregas returned ahead of schedule to play in Tuesday's Champions League clash at Barcelona, but the gamble backfired as he was forced to come off midway through the second half and the Gunners eventually crashed out.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Thursday that the Spain midfielder won't feature at Old Trafford this weekend and he could also miss the next Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion on March 19.
Asked if Fabregas would play on Saturday, Wenger told reporters: "No, he had a recurrence of his hamstring and will be out for the next game, maybe for the next two games.
"He said he was fit to play against Barcelona and when Cesc Fabregas is fit you play him.
"He is of course very disappointed because it is becoming a bit of problem for him but he should be back soon."
Wenger will also be without young goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny against United after the Pole suffered a figure injury while saving a shot in the Barcelona match.
Szczesny was substituted after treatment and Wenger revealed that he will see a specialist after scans showed there is tendon damage which will keep him out for several weeks.
"He has a dislocated finger with a tendon problem," Wenger said. "He had a scan on Wednesday but we need the assessment of a specialist to see where we go from here.
"He is out for a while, for how long I cannot tell you."
Manuel Almunia impressed after coming on for Szczesny but Wenger plans to sign a goalkeeper on an emergency loan to act as cover for the Spaniard.
"I will consider an emergency loan," he added. "I have someone in mind, but I can't tell you.
"I haven't asked the Premier League yet. It would not be feasible for this weekend."