• Champions League

Fabregas admits playing with injury in Barcelona

ESPN staff
March 10, 2011
Cesc Fabregas put in a below-par performance in Barcelona, and was at fault for the hosts' opener © PA Photos
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Cesc Fabregas has revealed that he played through pain for an hour of Arsenal's Champions League defeat in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Fabregas was a doubt for the last-16, second leg clash at the Nou Camp, which the Gunners lost 3-1, after missing the three preceding matches with a hamstring problem. He lasted 76 minutes before being replaced by Nicklas Bendtner.

The Spain international was at fault for Barcelona's opener, scored by Lionel Messi, after giving the ball away on the edge of his own area. It was a night to forget for Fabregas, who was a peripheral figure throughout, as he aggravated the hamstring injury, making him a doubt for Saturday's FA Cup clash at Manchester United.

"It was a shame because I felt really good to start with," he told TVE. "But after 15 minutes I felt a pain and I knew it was over for me. The desire to play allowed me to continue and get through but then I had to change."

Fabregas has said he accepts "full blame" for the Barcelona loss, which was mired in controversy following Robin van Persie's dismissal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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