Cesc Fabregas fit to start against Shakhtar Donetsk
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has declared Cesc Fabregas, captain of the team, fit and ready to play against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, 19 October.
Fabregas, who opted not to leave Arsenal for his former club Barcelona in the summer, has been out of contention since he picked up a hamstring injury against Sunderland last month.
"Cesc is available," Wenger said of the midfielder, who scored Arsenal's only goal in his last league appearance."He is good and has prepared well. He had a little setback but got over the hurdle and is
ready to play at full fitness."
Wenger, who will likely exercise caution in matching his captain as he makes his return, added that he has yet to decide whether the Spaniard will start against the Ukranian champions.
"I do not know yet whether I start him or not but he is available. It will be [determined by] whether I take a gamble or not, because he has been out for a long time. I have to make up my mind tomorrow
but physically he is ready, fit and wanting to play."
Walcott also expected to return
Theo Walcott, who made a promising start to the season before picking up an injury in England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland, is also exptected to return despite a minor setback in training.
"Theo has a toe problem. But his ankle is all right and he is in the squad. It would be difficult for me to tell you who will start because I do not know yet."
Arsenal, who are third in the Premier League, have made a promising start to their Champions League season.
After thrashing SC Braga 6–0 in the first game at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger's men toiled to earn a 3–1 victory away to Serbian side FK Partizan three weeks ago.
With a clear home advantage, the Londoners will be confident going into the encounter, even though several players remain on the sidelines. Defensive duo Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen, goalkeeper
Manuel Almunia and striker Robin van Persie will not take part.
Tags: