Thaindian News

Madrid, Oct 2 (IANS) FC Barcelona have suffered another injury setback with midfielder Cesc Fabregas ruled out of for three weeks due to a muscle injury in his right leg.

The Spanish international, who returned to the club this summer after spending eight seasons with Arsenal, tore a muscle in his right hamstring during Saturday’s training session in preparation for Sunday’s Primera Liga trip to play Sporting Gijon.

The club issued an official communique confirming Fabregas will be out of action for three weeks, Xinhua reported.

That means he will miss Sunday’s match as well as having to drop out of the Spain squad for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Scotland.

Fabregas will also miss Barcelona’s next home match in the Primera Liga, which is against Racing Santander and possibly their Champions League tie at home to Viktoria Pilsen.

He has been replaced in the Barca squad to travel to Gijon by young winger Issac Cuenca.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola lamented the injury suffered by Cesc.

“He helps us play a 3-4-3 system because he is so adaptable, he is a special player and it is a setback to lose him, as it was to lose other players through injury,” said Guardiola.

“Cesc has adapted very well and he allows you to play in many different ways, because he is so adaptable, he can play in different positions, he works hard and he scores goals,” added the coach, who admitted he was relieved he would only lose the player for three weeks.

Fabregas’ injury is the fifth serious injury suffered by a Barcelona player this season. Gerard Pique has just returned after pulling a muscle in the Spanish Supercup, while Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez also have hamstring problems, while winger Ibrahima Affelay will undergo an injury this Monday after damaging knee ligaments.

Iniesta has just returned to training with the squad and should be fit when Barca face Racing Oct 15.