Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas approaching Burnout
Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas is believed to be approaching burnout in the wake of his recent injury problems.
Manager Arsene Wenger is not sure about the extent of the midfielder’s hamstring injury. However, it is expected that the Spanish international will return to training within two to three weeks time. The 23-year-old got injured in the Champions League match against Braga, which they lost 2-0. However, there is a big question mark on the fitness and mental approach of the player. It is thought that the player’s below par performance this season is down to fatigue and he needs rest.
Wenger acknowledges that he took a gamble on his star player by giving him a starting birth against Braga on Tuesday. However, his tactics backfired as he lasted only 67 minutes. The player had to be eventually replaced by Samir Nasri.
A close friend of Fabregas said, “Cesc is frustrated. He suffered with injuries last season and then went straight to the World Cup with Spain. It may be that he needs a proper rest to let his body fully recover and then come back completely ready.”
The Gunner boss would be hoping that his star player recovers fully before the big games against title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. They face United on 13th December at Old Trafford and then two weeks later they clash with Chelsea at Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, they will be tempted to rest the Spanish midfielder in between matches in order to save him from serious problems in the future.
Robin van Persie is also returning from a long-term injury and slowly gaining full fitness. However, his boss is frustrated that the Dutchman has been restricted to limited appearances since last year. Van Persie has started in almost as many games for the club as for his national side during the last 12 months. The player only lasted 45 minutes in a friendly game against Turkey. A pain killer injection was needed in this week’s north London derby match against Tottenham Hotspur, which they lost 3-2.
Another blow for Arsenal is their midfielder Emmanuel Eboue, who suffered an injury at Braga. It has been confirmed that his medial knee ligament is damaged and will be sidelined up to four weeks.
Wenger’s problems do not end on the injury front, but also on the pitch. Their latest loss has put question marks on their Champions League qualification as all their rivals are already through to the knockout stages of the competition. Now, they must win in their last group match against Partizan Belgrade at home on 8th December.
Defender, Johan Djourou has admitted that failing to win that match will be considered as a disaster for the North London club. They have never done so in Wenger’s reign and will be hoping to keep this record.
Defender Djourou said, “If Arsenal do not go to the knockout stages, it’s a disaster. That should not happen and I don’t even think that we’re not going to qualify.”
With the recent run of defeats, the debate of Arsenal’s lack of mental strength is again in the spotlight. For the first time, Wenger has admitted his team's failures. Nevertheless, their recent 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Spurs after leading 2-0 at half time left the fans disgusted.
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