Alsonso wants rapid recovery for Fabregas

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has wished Arsenal counterpart Cesc Fabregas a speedy recovery from the injury caused in a challenge between the two Spain team-mates this weekend.

Fabregas did not come out for the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium after picking up a knee problem following a tackle by Alonso, and the Gunners captain could be facing a lengthy spell in the sidelines.

Alonso, who alongside Fabregas was a member of Spain’s Euro 2008-winning squad this summer, told Marca: “I’m hoping for a rapid recovery for Cesc. Now comes the most tedious bit, the recuperation, but I will be there encouraging him.

“If anything, I’m even more upset than Fabregas is. It always affects me to see a companion injured, but especially if it is a friend and a national team-mate like Cesc.

“I already went to see him after the game, and from what he told me we both expected it was something serious. But today (Monday) I spoke with him again and, bearing in mind the situation, he was in quite good spirits.”

On the challenge that caused the injury, Alonso added: “It was just another incident of the game and, of course, there was no malicious intent.”

Arsenal are set to have more news about the extent of Fabregas’ injury and possibly how long he will be out for this afternoon.