Fabregas hopes for early return
31 Jan 2009 - 15:00:00
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas hopes he can return to action "earlier than expected" as his recovery from a serious knee injury continues.It had been feared the Spain Euro 2008 winner was set to be out of action until April after suffering ligament damage during a tackle with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso in the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium on December 21.Fabregas' rehabilitation is being conducted under the guidance of a specialist in Barcelona, and the 21-year-old feels things are progressing well."My leg is getting stronger and the doctors tell me that the ligament has healed," Fabregas wrote in his programme notes ahead of the game against West Ham."Now it is about building up the muscle and on Thursday I had a very little jog for the first time, so it is good news and I am happy because I can see a big improvement."I will take it step by step, but hopefully I can come back earlier than first expected. However, let's wait and see."Fabregas added: "I will be coming back to England in two weeks' time and, after being assessed by the physios, we will set a target date for my return."The news will have come as a welcome boost to manager Arsene Wenger, who has other long-term absentees Eduardo, Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky all building towards a first-team return before the end of the season.
