Fabregas out four months

By: travis | December 23rd, 2008

It’s crisis time at the Emirates as the worst-case scenario came true. Gone is the hope he would only miss a few weeks and the reality that he will be gone for up to four months is the reality of it. The Spaniard has partially torn his medial ligament and will be on the sidelines between three and four months. It’s a harsh blow in a season that’s already wavered far from what was expected. Now it’s a matter of hunkering down and securing fourth place. The title isn’t the main concern now; it’s a question of whether or not this team can retain Champions League football – otherwise a lot of the youngsters could be there for the taking.

Arsene has reacted in a typical fashion, trumping the ability of the players he has at his disposal and showing his confidence in them:

“It is a blow [to lose him] of course, but we can show we have the strengths to deal with it. Of course it is a blow to lose Fabregas in the middle of the season – for four months – but it is a good opportunity to show we can deal with it and have the needed strengths.”

The only surprising thing about his reaction was that he didn’t accuse Alonso of a dirty tackle. It’d be interesting to see if Xabi was brought into the squad still, and what kind of reaction that would bring. I’m sure it would take a lot to nab him from Liverpool, but Wenger has got to buy at least two midfielders now. With Walcott still on the sidelines for at least a couple of months, our starting midfield is comprised of Diaby, Denilson, Song, and Nasri. As I’ve said before, hardly the most daunting lineup. The boss has already said he a purchase is now more likely in January, but I wonder who it’ll be. Arshavin rumors are increasing, but I don’t think they’ll pay out what Zenit is asking. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are not internal answers to the depths question in the midfield.

Nevertheless, the season just took a turn for the worse. Tuning in on Friday, as the squad travels to Aston Villa will give a first look at what to expect from the new challenges facing this side. A win on Friday and we are level on points with Villa. Hard to say what happens from here. Anyone out there think Arsenal will drop out of the top four when May rolls around? Do tell.