It is still undetermined whether or not Cesc Fabregas will feature against title rivals Manchester United tomorrow night. However, it has been reported today that Arsene Wenger has given his captain an extra 24 hours to decide on his fitness and will leave the decision entirely with the Spaniard.
The 23-year-old midfielder undertook a rigorous training session on Friday and was told to rest yesterday to see for any reaction to his injured hamstring.
Wenger will today consult with Fabregas on his progress before drawing up his team selection for the trip to Manchester and has already told the Spaniard – ‘it’s up to you.’
Fabregas has been out of action since late November with a niggling hamstring problem which has interrupted his season, and Wenger is wary of bringing him back too soon. Early indications suggest that the midfielder will be on the bench at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Arsenal do have a number of testing fixtures coming up during the Christmas period, and Wenger is worried that a premature return for Fabregas could result in yet more time in the treatment room.
If Fabregas does decide to make his return tomorrow night then he will more than likely take Jack Wilshere’s place in the starting line-up. However, should Wenger take the risk and play Fabregas? Or can Arsenal once again deliver the goods without their captain?
I for one am very surprised to hear that Wenger has left the decision down to Fabregas whether or not he plays in tomorrows match, as it should always be down to the manager to make the final call…that’s what he gets paid for right? Making the right decision.
On paper, our team would look much better if Fabregas does play tomorrow night, but to play him less than 100% fit sounds a little bit foolish to me. Without question it’s a massive game, but in all fairness we have coped well enough without our talisman. I also believe that Arsenal have got other top quality players in their side who can cause United some trouble at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Cesc Fabregas is a brilliant player for the Gunners, but we have a lot of big games coming up (most noticeably the game against Chelsea on the 27th of December) and I would rather see our captain return fully fit and ready for the busy Christmas period than risk further injury to him for one game against Manchester United.
I just hope the Spaniard makes the right decision, and one that will be for the good of the team.
What do you guys think? Should Cesc Fabregas be risked for the United game?
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Fabs, as much as I love him, he should not play against Man Utd, if he is not 100% he could be liability to us. It could benefit Man Utd and could eventually cost us the game.
He should also rest because he have a busy Christmas period and play Chelsea on the 27th of December, I’d rather him rest for that.
I think he must consider the team and what will be best for the team and that will be to rest. I could imagine he’d love to play against Man Utd but if he not ready don’t risk him. Another reason why he should rest is because he may get further injured and be out for longer.