Fabregas blow for Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas could be sidelined for up to three weeks after injuring his hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Sporting Braga on Tuesday.

Fabregas pulled up sore in the 69th minute of Tuesday’s Champions League clash in Portugal and was replaced by Samir Nasri.

The injury, in the opposite leg to that which troubled the Spanish superstar towards the beginning of the term, is expected to keep Fabregas out of Premier League clashes with Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic, Fulham and Manchester United.

The Gunners’ talisman may also may Arsenal’s must-win Champions League clash against Partizan Belgrade on December 8.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was despondent after Tuesday’s loss, saying he had contemplated leaving Fabregas out of the line-up.

“We will have to assess Fabregas. It could be two to three weeks,” Wenger said.

“It is very disappointing because I had a hesitation to play him before the match started. I took the gamble and it backfired on us.”