Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool: Cesc injured
21 December 2008{UPDATE - Arsenal.com have advised that immediately after the game Arsene Wenger told Arsenal TV Online that Cesc Fabregas could be sidelined for “two or three weeks”. However in his post-match press conference the Manager advised that he could not be sure until Cesc was properly assessed. So at this stage the length of time Cesc may be out injured is unknown. They also announced that they will post news on Cesc’s injury on Tuesday afternoon. The full article is here.}
Sad news. Cesc Fabregas was injured in a 50-50 tackle with Xabi Alonso during today’s draw at home to Liverpool. He appeared to go in to the tackle at full-stretch and Alonso, who was running, connected with the ball and Cesc’s knee. His studs appeared to go into Cesc’s knee. It was an unfortunate accident, and Alonso visited Cesc straight after the final whistle to check on how he was doing.
Arsene Wenger told reporters after the match, “It’s a medial knee ligament injury, I don’t know how long he will be out. It is difficult to assess; it could be one week or three weeks. Of course it is a blow, you don’t want to lose a player like that but we have to cope with it.”
Cesc will have medical tests tomorrow to determine the extent of the damage and how long he will need to recover. So let’s all pray for the best possible news.
As for the match. I don’t know where to begin. Howard Webb made himself a contender for worst referee in the world. The term woeful doesn’t get near it.
Arsenal struck first through Robin van Persie to go a goal up but Liverpool equalised just before the break and the teams went in to half-time tied. Captain Fabregas did not return for the second half, after being injured on the stroke of half-time, and was replaced by Diaby. Emmanuel Adebayor received a second yellow card, following a dubious yellow in the first half, for a challenge that would have been over-looked had his name been Lucas, and was sent-off. Ten-man Arsenal hung on bravely for the point.
Full match report here. First of the pictures from the match are in the photos section. You can watch the MOTD video highlights and lowlights including the tackle that led to Cesc’s injury.
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we love you
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dinda
fabregas is my player in the world .i pray that may Allah cure him no fabregas no arsenal .we are haed for the champion legue no fabregas no winning for the guner
Merry Charistmas cesc.
Let’s hope against aston
Glad to hear those comments from his father Rose. Let’s hope for the best. I remember a few years ago everyone said Beckham would be out 3 months with a MCL injury but then Real Madrid came out and said 4 to 6 weeks and he was back in 7 weeks from memory so the press have exaggerated before. Best to wait for Arsenal.
Thanks SY – The goal.com source was The Sun who are quoting an ‘un-named source’ but there has been no confirmation from Arsenal. They are expected to make a statement this afternoon. The word in the tabloid media seems to be 3 months but lets see what Arsenal.com says.
Thanks for the video Crystal! I really appreciate the link. I hadn’t spotted it so I will add it to the site now! Thank you
*cries* I don’t like the sound of any of the news *cries* I think it’s good to wait for Arsenal to make a statement at least that way we know we have all the info we are going to get and it gives me time to stock up on tissues and chocolate
Really hope Cesc will be fine but here’s a nice interview of him before the liverpool game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63ciLm9OISI
i read online that it’s confirmed that cesc will be out for about 3 months
“Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to spend the next three months on the sidelines after injuring his knee in Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.
The Spanish sensation hobbled out of the game at half-time after coming off second best in a 50-50 challenge with compatriot Xabi Alonso, forcing Arsene Wenger to send on Abou Diaby for the remainder of the 1-1 draw.
It was confirmed shortly afterwards that the 21-year-old midfielder had damaged the medial ligaments of his right knee, and he has been scheduled for a series of scans throughout the week.
Initial examinations have highlighted the severity of the injury, and the findings at this point are far from encouraging for Fabregas or the Gunners.
An unnamed source said in The Sun: “He has been told he will not be available until the end of March, which means he will miss the next round of the Champions League and a number of crucial Premier League matches.”
That prognosis could become even grimmer if Fabregas is forced to undergo surgery, and it is thought that the EURO 2008 winner is expecting the worst.
Further tests will be conducted this evening.” -goal.com
i really hope they got it wrong, this would be such a blow to arsenal, and cesc’s season too
poor Cesc such bad luck so sad for him *hugs for Cesc*
awwww poor cesc
His poor Dad it must be an ordeal for him too. Good to read his mother is with him in London and that Cesc is holding up ok
Thanks for posting that Robbie. The Sun also said he might have to undergo surgery. Also Guillem Balague posted some comments on his blog that suggested the injury might be quite severe. I’m looking at everything I can find and I do want this information on the site in the comments. I think it’s good for all the fans to share what they’re seeing. I just don’t want to make a full post until Arsenal.com comes out with a statement – as they have said they will and they said it would be this afternoon so I’m just going to wait.
It was nice to read that his father said Cesc was taking it well and that he has been very strong through this.
Well, I think we should all wait to hear what the official word is…but unfortunately I can’t seem to leave well enough alone……I mean todays SPORT (a Catalan paper) says that Cesc could undergo surgery in the next few days by Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona….they offer quotes from Francesc FÃ bregas Sr. ……I know this isn’t what anyone wants to hear or read but…..I’m hoping and praying all these reports are wrong! …… fingers crossed.
Here’s the link for those that want to be depressed before the holidays :
http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=573218&idseccio_PK=806
Thanks Jaguar
I think that’s where I’m coming from Bri – whatever the news is, I want to hear it from the official Arsenal.com site, not from unreliable sources who have spoken with un-named friends, because I think if people are going to hear bad news they should at least hear it from a credible source.
indecision it’s a killer! Seriously, there’s no harm in waiting for the official word Rosie… after all if it is as bad as is being reported… well no one is ever in a hurry to hear bad news…
Fan from the US South…wonderful site. I have to agree with you, Rose. Once I saw the report that he would be out until March (3 months doesn’t seem that long until you actually say the month, then it feels like a long time), I was skeptical. Then again, it has been bothering him for awhile. But, usually leg injuries that take over a month to heal are so painful that it is almost unbearable to stand on, much less limp around on. Hopefully the test will clear things up and he can get on the fast track to recovery.
oh well I took your advice bri and put up a post – but then I changed my mind and took it down again. The Sun could be wrong it is a red-top and I know now it is in The Sun everyone will pick it up and run it – so everyone is going to hear this anyway BUT I’d rather wait for the official announcement I think.
All we can do is hope against hope – even though it feels like a long shot now, that by some miracle things aren’t as bad as they are being made to sound
3 months……OMG.I hope it is only 3 weeks at the most.Life wont be the same without watching Cesc playing.
Lets all of us pray for his injury just to be a minor.
Pepe helped Cesc just proved what Cesc had said before regarding his national team…….that they were very close ..like family,no other team that close.
get well soon my love…
i.luv.u
Just my opinion Rosie but I would put up what you know and make it clear that it’s what is being said but it’s not official then you are keeping people informed but you are also letting them know that these rumours may be incorrect. I have to say though… and I hate to say it… but I really doubt The Sun will have it wrong… poor Cesc 3 months which by the time you train and get your fitness back is really 4 to 5 and then it will be the end of the season. It’s just such a sad shame this happened
I just saw that a few minutes ago George but thanks for letting us know about it
I don’t know what to do. I posted 1-6 months but then Arsene said 1 or 3 weeks, so I took what I had posted down and went with Arsene’s quote then the club said Arsene didn’t actually know the extent of the injury so we updated for that. Now The Sun has this ‘from a friend’ and it may well be correct but do I post it or do I wait for the official news on arsenal.com?
I must say the fact they couldn’t tell us anything Monday suggested to me lots of tests, lots of worry, and this often equates to a bad injury and a lengthy time out but still now we have waited this long, maybe I should wait for the official word? I wouldn’t want to put up such awful news and it be wrong.
The Sun are saying Cesc is out 3 months
http://www.thesun.co.uk/mysun/comment/view.page?storyId=2064217&submissionId=607262
bugger
Well it’s good that Chelski haven’t been able to take advantage but this next game against Villa is going to be a real six pointer. We have to win this!!
the Chelski Everton result is some consolation although just think a better ref and no injury to Cesc and we might be 5 points from the top… so hard to feel too cheerful
Merry Christmas to you too lola15
On a positive note! Chelsea and Everton drew. So we are still 8 points off the top but we are further from the 4th spot than before. Still there’s a lot of season left.
Keeping Cesc in my thoughts and prayers. Hope he will be ok!
Merry Christmas to all!
I’m not liking how long this is taking,,, I hope it’s not bad news. I’m not a religious man and me hypocrisy only goes so far,,, so let me just send him Irish luck and positive thoughts
Pepe had to help him. That’s not good. I thought he was able to limp off by himself.
And it was nice of xabi to go see him after.
I hope it is good news for Cesc. I am very worried if were minor it would not take so long to say yes?
I’m praying for a Christmas miracle for Cesc! I really hope the news tomorrow will be positive as he will be so disappointed if he is out for a long time
I saw this on Sky and thought I’d post it
At half-time yesterday Cesc Fabregas was limping badly after a heavy tackle and he was physically helped down the tunnel by Pepe Reina. Straight on the final whistle Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso went straight to the Arsenal dressing room to see how his fellow countryman was doing. This all happened on a day when the entire Arsenal staff donated 24 hours wages to The Teenage Cancer Trust and allowed some of the unwell youngsters into their dressing room area before kick off.
I agree Plu, Song +Deni did play well but I’m still not confident about Denilson in Cesc’s role as playmaker based on what I saw against Manchester City for example… but I will be the happiest man in the world to be proven wrong!
As for Ade’s comments probably not wise but not uncommon, footballers make such comments fairly frequently wouldn’t expect to see any action taken.
It will be a difficult time for Cesc but he is in my prayers and I hope that he will hear good news and be fit to play again soon!
I watched the red card on motd, and no way was that another yellow. Ade was just shielding the ball.
And are football players allowed to come out with comments like ade did? (about arbeloa falling down as if he had been knifed) That quote was the headline of every newspaper. I swear you can get fined for comments like that…..
Yep. The crowd were awesome. I completely forgot about them, which was strange as they were EXTREMELY loud after the sending off. They must all have sore throats today after all that booing. I was so happy when they cheered eboue. ^^ That will give him more confidence with the next match. I think Wenger will play Eboue.
Denilson and Song were great yesterday when we were down to ten men, so I’m hoping they can carry on with that momentum in the next match.
Sambo… yeah I don’t know where my brain was at you’re probably right that Denilson will move into the middle with Song. Why am I not filled with confidence. Here’s hoping.
Not surprised to see Arsenal moving away from that initial 1 to 3 week forecast from Wenger. Let’s just hope it’s not too bad.
Merry Christmas, Meri, Emma and DC Wash – and everyone else too!
Hiya MiLa
I agree the fans were great yesterday they did a great job of supporting the team and it was really nice to hear Eboue getting some love!
Arsenal.com say they will have the details Tuesday afternoon. So I guess all we can do is wait and hope for the best! There’s all kinds of speculation out there at the moment and all kinds of time-frames being thrown around but I’m just going to wait to hear something definite and try not to worry until I do!
It will be a difficult time for Cesc but he is in my prayers and I hope that he will hear good news and be fit to play again soon!
Merry Christmas everyone I wish there was better things happening to make us all happy but 2009 will be the gunners year!!
I hope that Arsenal can still win a trophy this season and that Cesc will lift it up and put all the bad times out of every ones mind. I hope will be only minor injuries
It so sad to see Cesc limping out n wiping his eyes ,i cried for him…Hope he will get better faster.I was thinking what was in his head at that time looking so sad n definitely in pain……
With Ade red card I was really devastated,,,any hope of win disappeared.Luckily the 10 men team stood high n do a proud job to prevent Liv from getting 3 points.Well done boys.Its nice to see Liv at dead end facing 10 mostly young player,without a capt n a striker….haha.At least if Liv become champ..there is something Arsenal should be proud of……the champ cannot beat Arsenal 10 men….haha.
Cheers……n Merry Christmas n happy new year.Luv Cesc.luv Arsenal,luv this web n luv you all for being Cesc n Arsenal fans.
oh no
I am so sad for captain Cesc I hope will be good news
We’re not exactly a lucky club now are we.
I think we really could have won it today if we’d not had the injury and the sending-off. We conceded a soft goal, unfortunately but I still think we had the upper hand in the first half and could have emerged victorious but of course nothing went our way.
Merry Christmas everyone!
first of all; i’ll like to declare dat i’m proud of our boys for da resilience they put up during da 2nd half after Adebayor was sent off.. they really showed their character!! good job by them for holding Liverpool!!
as for Captain Cesc’s injury; i hope it wasnt dat bad cuz we cant afford to miss him for a few weeks..
when he limped off at da end of da 1st half wif his sad face; i was crying for him.. seems like he really dun like to be injured (but again; who likes to be injured, even me!!)..
hopefully; his injury is not dat bad..
as for our supporters; they were superb in terms of cheering on for our team.. it was loud, even i can heard it from da TV screen.. hehehe..
and they didnt boo Eboue when he came in but instead; they cheered on for him.. dat’s nice!! 
I wonder if Arsene will strengthen the midfield during the window?
I think realistically we are out of the title race now as we are going to be without our best player during some critical fixtures and our chances were already somewhat slim.
The main thing is to focus on the Champions League and FA Cup and hopefully Cesc will be fully-fit by February 24th
I don’t know that I believe that story that he spoke to Radio Marca, as I don’t have the audio. Maybe he did – but I’m not prepared to take Marca’s word for it as they make half of their stories and quotes up lol
And Cesc has said more than once that at such times he doesn’t like to speak to anyone so I don’t know why he would talk to Marca.
Let’s just pray for good news tomorrow.
Merry Christmas to you too Robbie hon
Well, its been a few hours now and I’ve calm down some…..some!
Howard Webb is currently the best EPL Ref we have…..but, I have to say today for the first time….”the man lost the plot” totally ……How Lucas wasn’t cautioned or even CARDED …..I don’t know…..
I agree with TA there’s no way our fearless Captain Cesc will be back in one week ……six to eight most likely with an MCL sprain, assuming there isn’t further ligament or meniscus involvement which unfortunately could have our Cescy out for months (many,many months)……but, we’ll know on Monday….He did tell Radio Marca “he’s worried”…well Sky translate it as “I have negative thoughts about the injury,” but….
I’m proud tonight to be a GOONER….another year is fast approaching and the lads have done the Arsenal shirt proud!
….from the “Do What I Say” campaign to wins over Man United and Chelsea …..even earlier this year during a cold rainy winter day in Bolton – another 10 men affair where Arsenal won………Arsenal forever I say !
Happy Holidays to those celebrating…..
And Best Wishes for the New Year
Actually, the draw isn’t that bad, I think. But I’m only half happy because of ade and cesc.
Howard Webb is a bloody disgrace. The lads did well to hang on seeing as they were down to 10 men and playing 12 Liverpool + the ref. FFS.
Hope the little mestro is back soon. He’ll be missed.
hi guys
As a begining i just wanna say that i am so proud of my beloved arsenal . Really proud . We scored one fantastic goal , i screamed , we really controlled the game , we were solid in defence and we showed highly estimated ten men spirit so proud , if we just had a nearly human refree with a brain we would have won that game so easily . Still so proud . If we played with this spirit in the coming games i can guarantee u we are gonna win epl . This refree is abnormal totally weird but i guess arsenal supporters in the stadium gave him what he deserves they were great . He should retire and apologize before they kill him . I love arsenal . Cesc probably will be out for 3 weeks . He confirmed he is worried about .
I must say, TA, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time that Arsene’s timelines have turned out to be optimistic. I’d like him to be right and it to be no more than 3 weeks but I’m still waiting to hear more.
Well it was a moral victory. A draw when we were down to 10 men under debateable circumstances isn’t a bad result but of course now we need the Gods to repay us by handing Chelsea a loss or a draw tomorrow.
TA… I’d say it will be Song and Denilson in the middle Nasri will stay put and he’ll put Vela? Diaby? Eboue? on the right
I really am worried about the next couple of games without Cesc we lack creativity and our mid-field without him whoever Wenger goes with… is ordinary at best.
I meant to say it was nice that Eboue got a big cheer when he came on… I forgot that 1 nice thing among all the crap that happened today
I would say that Arsene wouldn’t have had the scan results when he spoke which is why he gave 2 very different time frames and why Arsenal.com isn’t carrying anything so specific. I would be surprised if it is less than a month. Obviously he walked off under his own power so it’s not a rupture but I’ve seen plenty of players walk off with MCL sprains and still be out 6 – 8 weeks. He looked to be unable to put any real weight on the leg from the way he was hobbling. I think a week is very unlikely.
I wonder who we’ll play in the mean-time. Arsene could play Nasri in the middle and put Diaby on the left as Nasri played in the middle for Marseille but it seems more likely it will be Diaby in the middle to me
I know in the past poor Cesc has said how he gets upset and doesn’t want to talk to anyone when he has an injury so I hope he is ok and this doesn’t ruin his Christmas
Here’s what Arsene said from the official site. Arsenal.com don’t include the part about 1 week or 3 weeks, the way the rest of the media does – they just say Arsene said he doesn’t know how long Cesc will be out – that is slightly worrying
I think we could have won this game today’
“I believe we had a nervy start and at 1-0 we didn’t have enough control of the game. We had played a bit too deep in midfield, and in the second half we played higher up. Straight away we got more control, and I think we could have won this game today. It is very disappointing because we showed great spirit, strength, and commitment but missed that thing that can make the difference when you have 10 men. It was difficult.”
On Adebayor’s red card…
“It was very soft. Today was Be A Gooner, Be A Giver, but you cannot say the referee was a Gooner, he was a giver, giving yellow cards that we didn’t deserve. Every week when we play away from home, we are told people get in our faces and we cant cope.
“I should show you our players after some games we play away from home; it is a joke. Neither of the bookings were justified. It is just an unbelievable decision; if Adebayor goes off, then [Robbie] Keane has to go off in the first minute. It seems we have different rules. The decision cost us two-points today, and I do not agree with it all.â€
On the title race…
“The title is won in May and we are only in December. We will fight until the end, because I am convinced that Liverpool will drop more points. They have had four draws at home, so why should they not drop more in the second part of the season.â€
On Fabregas’ injury…
“It is a medial knee ligament problem. I don’t know [how long he will be out], it is difficult to assess. Of course it is a blow, you don’t want to lose a payer like that but we have to cope with it.â€
On the goal that his side conceded…
“I am not happy because it is the second time we have conceded one like that [ball over the top]; we had the same against Aston Villa. We need to correct that, but I think even with 10 men we were solid defensively. On that front I am happy that we have improved compared to one or two months ago.â€
On the rumours surrounding Vela going out on loan, or Tevez and Arshavin coming in…
“No, no, and no.â€
On Liverpool’s cautious approach after the red card…
“I don’t know if they run out of resources, or maybe they were scared they might be caught out on the break. Only they can tell you, but I saw one or two had cramp on the pitch. We had a few breaks and you could smell danger, so I think Liverpool became cautious.â€
Encouraging words from Arsene at least it doesn’t sound too major right!
oh no!! Damn Xabi Alonso (I know it was an accident but still)! He’s hurt our Cescy!! I do hope Arsene is right and it’s only 3 weeks at most all my fingers and toes crossed for our boy!!
All the photos are always in the same place and I add what I have
really?? i could swear chelsea appealed in a simillar sitution before with john terry ..maybe that was a straight red card situation .. thanks plu
oh im glad the injury is only minor cheers
NY-Gunner – After the results of his scan I guess. The info should be posted on the physio room site. Arsene seems to be saying he will be out less than a month so it must be quite minor! So that is great. I agree Rummba I thought the boys did really well to hang on. They played with a lot of heart after Ade was sent off.
nicky- i don’t think arsenal can appeal, because I’m pretty sure you can only appeal if it is a straight red.
I’m proud of the lads for hanging on for a point. At least they didn’t cough up all 3 to those diving cheating scum, aided and abetted by that w*nk*r Webb.
Can you get the images when cesc was crying in the end of first part??
when will we hear definite word on the captain?
Still the fact some one is talking in terms of weeks rather than months is good news to me George! Skysport were throwing some scary time scales around. I was crying.
Gutted,,, hope the news on Cesc turns out to be as good as poss, they said at least a week but I don’t know if they’ll have had time for a conclusive scan just yet?
srsly? only a week? wow. uh. wow. is it just me, or does Cesc heal fast. oh man a week would be a dream come true for us.
really! That would be fantastic!! Skysport made it sound like it would be months at least 6 weeks minimum. I would be so so happy with a week!!
A bad day all round. Cesc looked pretty cut up when he was going off I hope it’s not too bad. He’s had good luck mostly with injuries over the years. Only ever been out a few weeks so let’s hope for the best. He’s made of tough stuff!
cesc is only out for a week according to the bbc. Thank god. I am so relieved.I was worried it was going to be much longer.
Arsenal better complain about that red card on ade to the FA to get it overturned.
Hi plu, bri, nicky, I really don’t have anything to add agree with everything you said… I’m just hoping and praying that Cesc is not too badly hurt. He will be devastated poor guy
I scrapped your comment Plu becos you asked me too
the worst day ever…what more can i say….i hope cesc will be fine…:’(
To be honest I’m personally quite happy that 10 men Gunners managed to hold Pool to the result. And they still tried for more when they could, so I think the Gunners that finished the match ought to be at least commended with the knowledge that so much was against them and yet they still managed a draw against Pool, who had goodness knows how many offensive players trying.
The goal was brilliant. I screamed.
I admit I cried when I watched Cesc limping off the pitch. And he looked so upset and he was wiping at his eyes a few times and biting his jersey. Oh the poor boy. It must hurt like hell, and I can’t begin to imagine what he’s thinking about. I’m really praying hard that it’s not too severe and he’ll be alright soon.
Oh Cesc.
Thank you BB for updating us on this. I really wanted to know what exactly happened to him. You work amazingly fast.
i think Julio Arca’s horror tackle on Andy Johnson yesterday was in Webb’s mind when he made that decision. But it shouldn’t have been. Every game, every tackle is different, but still bad refereeing, but whenever u play against Liverpool expect the ref to be on their side. absolutely gutted about ade and cesc hopefully it’s not that bad.. brilliant goal from robin, nasri had a brilliant game but now about liverpool, funny though,Why not make a statement of intent Liverpool and go and try and win the game eh? Put yourselves clear at the top? No? Instead you sit back with nine behind the ball against Arsenal’s ten men. Typical liverpool, thats why they wont win the league.
im glad we didnt loose, hopefully the lads can come together….. cheers
sad sad sad and frustrating day on so many levels. Please let Cesc be not too badly hurt, 1 month would be bad enough any longer would be tragic
I know Xabi didn’t mean it, but I hate him right now for injuring our main player. Cesc held the midfield together, and now we are screwed. If he is out for six months, I will cry. Sheesh. Wenger needs to buy on january. And he needs to start playing wilshere and ramsey. They actually create chances.
Cesc was crying when he hobbled off. It did not look good at all.
Howard webb – apparently the best ref in england. Yeah right. What a joke. The amount of yellow’s he gives out. And I swear he is biased. The amount of fouls lucas got away with before being yellow carded. And gerrard blatantly dived, and apparently told the ref to fuck off, and still didn’t get a yellow. Wth?!!!!
But well done to the team. After ade’s sending off, they fought their hearts off. I’m proud of them. Any chances of winning the league has flown out of the window for me. Now we need to focus in getting a top four spot.