Fabregas blames Celtic for injury

Written by Jonathan Chong on Monday, August 24, 2009

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Date Time C Opponent F A R S
26 Aug 7:45 PM CL Celtic (H) 3 1 Win
Fabregas blames Celtic for injury

Captain Francesc Fabregas is blaming the physical treatment from Celtic players for his latest injury, which makes him a doubt for the return leg on Wednesday. The young Catalan was on the receiving end of some tough tackles from Tony Mowbray's side as they struggled to keep pace with Arsenal's quick passing.

Arsenal have one foot in the group stages already after scoring two vital away goals in the first leg of the tie at Celtic Park. A goal from William Gallas and a Celtic own-goal underlined the Gunners' superiority in a match which they controlled but one which the more physical side of the game was not exempted from.

Fabregas will face a fitness tomorrow for what is believed to be a hamstring injury, and was replaced at half-time during the weekend's match against Portsmouth. It is thought that he might even be a doubt for the heavyweight clash against Manchester United this weekend.

He praised Celtic for their willingness to play football on the ground as opposed to using the long-ball approach, but dismissed their physical tactics. Fabregas said: "You never expect someone will kick you three or four times in the same place, which was my right ankle, but sometimes that happens.

"You have to accept it and all you can do is stand up to it, refuse to let it affect you and keep playing football. But I did have quite a few bruises after that game in Glasgow.

"It was a strange game. Celtic didn't go for the long ball and tried to play good football, which I didn't think they would. The atmosphere was good but we controlled the game really well and they didn't create much.

"The irony for me is that I had a good summer and came back to the club feeling strong. I felt a lot better than I did this time last year after starting my pre-season earlier.

"I'll have to wait and see if I can play against Celtic. I want to make the Emirates a stronghold."

Manager Arsène Wenger might decide not to risk his midfield fulcrum against Celtic in anticipation for the heavyweight clash this weekend [against United], as there are capable replacements on hand in Aaron Ramsey or Fran Merida.

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It was a strange game. Celtic didn't go for the long ball and tried to play good football, which I didn't think they would. The atmosphere was good but we controlled the game really well and they didn't create much.

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