Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will miss this Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Birmingham City.
Fabregas was forced off with a hamstring injury after just 14 minutes of the 1-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday night, but later vowed to do all he could to be fit for the Wembley encounter.
However, manager Arsene Wenger has now confirmed the Spanish World Cup winner will not be ready for the final this weekend, joining Theo Walcott on the sidelines after the England winger suffered an ankle sprain against the Potters.
Wenger told the Gunners’ official website: “It is a very small injury but certainly Cesc will be out for Sunday.
“For how long (beyond that) I don't know, but definitely for Sunday.
“He is disappointed. We all feel sorry and sad for him. The only way we help him now is to win the Carling Cup as he contributed a lot in this competition.”