Fabregas feels lucky

Midfielder doubtful for Porto clash

Last updated: 7th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fabregas feels lucky

Fabregas: Feels fortunate

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Cesc Fabregas admits he has been fortunate with injuries as he races to recover from a hamstring problem in time for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Porto.

The midfielder was forced off before half-time on Saturday as Arsenal boosted their Premier League title hopes with a 3-1 victory over Burnley.

Arsene Wenger later stated that Fabregas' fitness would have to be assessed before the European encounter at Emirates Stadium in midweek.

Losing the Spaniard would be a major blow, but Fabregas himself insists it is a relief just to have avoided a serious injury this season.

Team-mate Aaron Ramsey is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining fractures to the tibia and fibula of his right leg, while Fabregas is often on the end of robust challenges as opponents look to knock Arsenal off their passing game.

"Everyone thinks 'We are playing Arsenal, we have to go in hard on them', and I have no problem with the contact game," he said.

Dangerous

"If opponents think that is the best way for them to beat us, no problem, but when you put your foot half a metre high on someone's leg, that is not right.

"It is not the first time this season we have seen challenges like this, but until someone breaks their leg no-one speaks about it.

"It has happened twice to me this season and I was lucky I did not get badly injured."

Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross was distraught after injuring Ramsey and Fabregas is convinced there was no malicious intent in the challenge, but he still does not think it was acceptable.

"I am sure he did not want to break Aaron's leg, but the tackle was dangerous. It was terrible," said Fabregas.

"I am sure he wanted to win the ball, but when your foot is that high only he knows what he was trying to do."