Cesc Fabregas has not travelled with the Chelsea squad for tonight’s match with Manchester United.
The Spanish midfielder was substituted at half-time in Chelsea’s 2-2 Boxing Day draw with Watford, and was left behind as the Blues made the trip to Manchester on Sunday according to The Telegraph.
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The Telegraph reports Chelsea sources explaining that Fabregas was suffering from a fever, but his absence comes on the day when speculation claimed that he has asked to leave Stamford Bridge.
Italian Sports publication Corriere dello Sport, via the Daily Mail, reports that Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan are interested in signing the former Arsenal and Barcelona star.
Fabregas has endured a miserable campaign to date, contributing just two assists compared to the 18 that he supplied as the Londoners ran away with the Premier League title in his debut season.
He was booed by Chelsea fans who were protesting Jose Mourinho’s sacking in the victory over Sunderland after being wrongly accused of falling out with the Special One, according to The Telegraph.
But he will still be a major miss for the champions against United – a match which Chelsea, who are languishing 15th in the table, must win to retain their slim hopes of finishing in the top four.
Interim manager Guus Hiddink was already without the suspended Diego Costa, while The Telegraph adds that Eden Hazard and Loic Remy both face late fitness tests before the game at Old Trafford.
Radamel Falcao, who scored four goals in 26 appearances during a loan spell at opponents United last season, has not played since October, leaving Chelsea very short on attacking options.
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