Wenger – Cesc a bit restricted

Arsene Wenger has suggested that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is a ‘bit affected’ mentally following his recent injury troubles.

Fabregas has been hampered by a hamstring problem this season and missed last week’s UEFA Champions League defeat away to Shakhtar Donetsk with the injury.

He returned for Sunday’s Premier League game against Newcastle, but the midfielder produced a fitful performance in the surprise 1-0 home defeat.

Gunners boss Wenger feels Fabregas is being held back by the injury, saying: “Cesc, I think, still played a little bit restricted.

“He has no real pain, but is still a bit affected I feel, it is still there in his head.”
Robin not ready

Robin van Persie made his comeback as a second-half substitute against Newcastle after two months out with an ankle injury and Wenger acknowledged the striker is not yet fully fit.

He added: “It is a plus, but you can see he is not ready. We pushed him in too early because I had to do something.

“You saw it was very difficult for us to score a goal and there is always a set-piece or a cross or a pass where he can make a difference.”

Wenger will also assess the fitness of Samir Nasri ahead of Wednesday’s game at Wolves after the midfielder was replaced early in the second half against the Magpies.

The Arsenal manager commented: “Samir has a calf problem that will be assessed tomorrow (Monday). We think it is small.”