Fabregas joins injury list

Wenger takes depleted squad to Holland

By James Dall   Last updated: 12th August 2008

Fabregas joins injury list

Fabregas: Out for two games

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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is among five absentees for Wednesday evening's UEFA Champions League qualifier against FC Twente.

Arsene Wenger's Gunners travel to Holland for the first leg of their tie, and will come up against former Middlesbrough and England boss Steve McClaren.

But Wenger has revealed he will be without several key players as long-term injury victims Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo are joined on the sidelines.

Euro 2008 winner Fabregas has sustained a hamstring injury, while Kolo Toure (hip), Abou Diaby (thigh), Philippe Senderos (hamstring) and summer signing Samir Nasri (knee/thigh) will all miss out.

Returns

"We have a big squad at home," said Wenger on the club's official website.

"Kolo Toure, Philippe Senderos, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo are out.

"Kolo has a hip muscle problem. Cesc has a hamstring problem, he will be out for the next two games.

"Abou Diaby (thigh) will be out for a while, we knew that. Philippe Senderos has a scan on his hamstring. He did that today whereas Fabregas did his hamstring yesterday.

Ramsey chance

"Samir Nasri (knee/thigh) should be okay for Saturday and so should Kolo Toure".

Denilson is set to start in the heart of the Arsenal midfield and is poised to be partnered by teenager Aaron Ramsey following the news of Fabregas' injury.

Wenger added: "Aaron Ramsey has a good chance to start."