Fabregas suffers suspected broken leg

CESC FABREGAS fears his season could be over after suffering a suspected broken leg during Arsenal’s dramatic 2-2 Champions League draw against Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium last night.

The Gunners skipper had been a doubt for last night’s game after suffering severe bruising to his knee and leg during the Barclays Premier League game at Birmingham.

However, Fabregas returned to lead the side, and played a pivotal role in their comeback after falling 2-0 down to a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to have all but killed off the tie.

During the closing stages, after substitute Theo Walcott had pulled a goal back, the Gunners skipper – who would have missed next week’s second leg against his old club after being booked in the first half – was bundled over by Carles Puyol and awarded a penalty.

It was during that collision with the Barcelona captain, who was shown a red card by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca, that Fabregas suffered the latest problem which the Spain international believes could even end his season – and perhaps threaten a place at the World Cup.

“I am not good,” said Fabregas, who left Emirates Stadium on crutches.

“We have to wait for tomorrow, but I hope I can wear the Arsenal shirt again this season.

“I fear the worst, which is that I have broken something. I do not think it is going to be good news, but still I hope there will be.

“When I took the penalty, I was quite strong, but after when I went to get the ball, I could not walk any more.

“It is the fibula. I think I put my leg between Puyol’s when I was fouled, and kicked it.”

William Gallas’s season could also be over.

The defender was carried off on a stretcher just before the halfway stage and Wenger revealed the 32-year-old had pulled a calf muscle.

It means the Frenchman is certain to miss the return leg at Camp Nou next Tuesday and could miss the remainder of the Gunners’ domestic run-in.

The Gunners boss told Canal Plus: “He pulled his calf muscle and I think it’s the end of the season for him.’’

Wenger paid tribute to his side’s spirited revival but said their display for the first 60 minutes was “beyond understanding”.

“It was a very difficult start,” he conceded.

“We lost the ball too quickly, but in fairness to the players they stayed resilient and kept going.

“They missed chances and we missed some unbelievable chances as well.’’

He added: “The regret I have tonight is, and I don’t deny we did play against a great side, but we gave away two cheap goals.

“The way we gave the ball away today is beyond understanding.”