Fabregas injury not as serious as first feared

Arsenal have been handed a boost following Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw at Turf Moor after it emerged that skipper Cesc Fabregas has not torn his hamstring and should be back for the hectic festive schedule.

The 22-year-old Spaniard was substituted by Arsene Wenger just before half time against Burnley, but the Daily Mail reports that the injury is not as serious as first feared.

Arsenal’s third fixture in seven days is Hull’s visit to Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening and although Fabregas is expected to miss the clash, he should be back in contention for Aston Villa’s trip to north London on December 27.

Fabregas was out of action for four months last season after he picked up a knee injury during Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool in north London 12 months ago.

Speaking after his side’s disappointing draw at Turf Moor, Wenger ruled Fabregas out of the Hull game. He said: “Fabregas is injured. For how long I don’t know. He will not play on Saturday. It’s a hamstring problem.”

Arsene Wenger’s side failed to build on their 2-1 victory at Anfield on Sunday, despite taking the lead early on at Turf Moor through Fabregas. The Gunners were pegged back to 1-1 after Thomas Vermaelen fouled André Bikey in the box and Graham Alexander smashed home the resulting spot-kick.

The result sees Arsenal slip five points behind second-place Manchester United with a game in hand.