There’s little doubt that the Gunners have been missing a certain Spanish midfielder this season. This was especially in evidence on Saturday evening, where Arsenal laboured to a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage, with manager Arsene Wenger critical of their inaccuracy when it came to passing the football.
However, help is at hand according to the official Arsenal website, who reports that Cesc Fabregas is set for a return to the first team after a short injury lay-off and that he’s issued a European rallying call. With Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph still fresh in his head, the midfield dynamo claims that the Gunners can be a force in this season’s Champions League – although Fulham may beg to differ!
“We don’t have to be afraid of anyone,” he said. “ I think we’ve seen in the last few seasons we can beat anybody so you have to be positive. You have to believe that you can do it again, at least make it to the Final.
“I’ve played a few Finals now and you can see that anything can happen you can play well you can play not well, you can win and lose. Certainly you have to make it there, I think we have the quality and experience to do it and we are looking forward to it.”
It’s becoming increasingly difficult for a team like Arsenal to win silverware every season, with the Gunners having to balance the books and attract players with a limited wage structure. This is in direct contrast to the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Milan, who have a seemingly endless supply of money to sign new players and pay them astronomical wages.
Nevertheless, it will be great to see Cesc return to first-team action.