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Fabregas adds to Arsenal's injury woes

13/08/2008

Cesc Fabregas has become the ninth member of Arsenal's first-team squad to be ruled out of tonight's Champions League qualifier against FC Twente.

A hamstring injury means the Spain star will play no part in the third qualifying round first leg clash with Steve McClaren's team.

Arsene Wenger is already without defenders Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos, midfielders Abou Diaby, Samir Nasri and Amaury Bischoff, as well as long-term absentees Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo, while Alex Song is at the Beijing Olympics.

The growing injury list means £5 million summer signing Aaron Ramsey, 17, will be paired with Brazil's Denilson in central midfield, who is only 20.

"You try to rush the fitness when you have Champions League qualifiers and some of them get injuries," Wenger admitted.

"It's the most problematic start [to a season] numbers-wise.

"We are short of one player and I hope to do something this week or before the transfer deadline."