Source: Telegraph
Arsenal likely to be without Cesc Fabregas for Manchester United contest
Following their 4-1 mauling of Paul Hart's side at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger said Fabregas looked certain to miss Arsenal's second leg Champions League qualifier against Celtic on Wednesday and depending on what fitness tests show, could be out for up to three weeks.
"Cesc has a hamstring problem. He will be short for Wednesday certainly," Wenger said. "If it's a little pull he'll be out for three weeks. If it's just a tightness maybe he can get away for the Celtic game but after 48 hours we'll have a better view."
Fabregas' absence at Old Trafford will be major blow for Arsenal who have made such an imperious start to their season scoring 10 goals in two games. And having been denied a place in the Champions League final by Sir Alex Ferguson's side in May, Wenger is all the more eager to prove his side have what it takes to compete with the best next weekend.
Arsenal have not won any silverware since the FA Cup final in 2005 leading Wenger to believe there is more riding on this fixture with United than ever before.
"Of course it has more significance than in previous years," he said. "We have a morale booster and we go to Manchester United where before there was only scepticism around us.
"There is a bit less now, but people say 'let's see what will happen when they go to Man United. The we will have a clear opinion about them'."
Asked about the 4-1 loss across two legs earlier this year, Wenger added: "It was difficult to swallow, but somewhere it can make us stronger as well."
A positive outlook is spreading through Wenger's squad who, despite being subject to a degree of criticism before the season got underway, are yet to slip up.
Double goalscorer against Portsmouth on Saturday, Abou Diaby has no doubt the club can mount a realistic challenge in all competitions this season.
"We can definitely challenge everyone this season," he said. "We are ready to fight and to get something."
