Fàbregas set to miss Chelsea clash

(GSM) – Arsenal will likely miss Cesc Fàbregas in their cracker against Chelsea on Sunday.

The Spanish midfielder worked hard to recover from his hamstring injury he sustained in the match against Sunderland but manager Arsène Wenger fears he will be without his captain for the important clash with the Blues.

“I don’??t know [about Cesc] said Wenger on the clubs official website. “It looks a 50:50 but a 50:50 balancing on the negative side. I will find out on Saturday morning.”

Manuel Almunia is also a doubt for Sunday’s match. The Spanish goalkeeper has not had a full training session since injuring his elbow against West Bromwich Albion last Saturday so Wenger is also unsure if he will figure.

“??That one is even more difficult,” Wenger said about Almunia. “He has not been in a regular training session. So I will see.”

The French coach was clear about Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby’s chances of making the city derby.

“Vermaelen no,” Wenger went on. “Abou Diaby has an 80 per cent chance to be involved. I am not sure if he will be completely 100 per cent but it is 100 per cent he will be in the squad.”

Meanwhile there was positive news about two of the longer term injuries.

“Nicklas Bendtner (groin) should be available after the international break,”? said Wenger, ??and Aaron Ramsey (leg) is progressing very well.”