belfasttelegraph

Monday 20 May 2013

Fabregas fears broken leg horror

Cesc Fabregas fears his season could be over after suffering a suspected broken leg during Arsenal's dramatic 2-2 Champions League draw against Barcelona at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners skipper had been a doubt for last night’s game after suffering severe bruising to his knee and leg during the Barclays Premier League game at Birmingham.

However, Fabregas returned to lead the side, and played a pivotal role in their comeback after falling 2-0 down to a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic that looked to have all but killed off the tie.

During the closing stages, after substitute Theo Walcott had pulled a goal back, the Gunners skipper — who would have missed the second leg against his old club after being booked in the first half — was bundled over by Carles Puyol and awarded a penalty.

It was during that collision with the Barcelona captain, who was then sent off, that Fabregas suffered the latest problem which the Spain international believes could end his season.

“I am not good,” said Fabregas, who left Emirates Stadium on crutches.

“We have to wait (until today), but I hope I can wear the Arsenal shirt again this season. I fear the worst, which is that I have broken something.

“I do not think it is going to be good news, but still I hope there will be.”

”When I took the penalty, I was quite strong, but after when I went to get the ball, I could not walk any more.

“It is the fibula. I think I put my leg between Puyol's when I was fouled, and kicked it.”

Fabregas added: “Until the penalty, I was feeling quite good.

“It has been an amazing experience and I will remember it for the rest of my life.”