Fabregas puts football on back-burner

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Spain Euro 2008 winner is set to be out of action until April at the earliest, after suffering ligament damage during a tackle with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and it is the first long-time lay-off for the 21-year-old.

"I am not really thinking about football, watching games, following the transfer market, nothing. I am just forgetting about everything to do with football," said Fabregas, speaking in his column in the official Arsenal matchday programme.

"Even my girlfriend is surprised, because it is unusual for me. But to be honest when it comes to football at the moment, I am off it until I can start to get fit again."

The Spaniard admits watching the Gunners from the stands is tough.

"It is the most difficult part of being injured, not being able to get out there and touch the ball and be there with your team-mates," he said. "It is a bit painful, but I know I must accept it."

"All players will go through times like this in their career, and now is my moment to experience it.

"I will just have to stay as positive as I can until I am back playing again. I want to relax as much as possible and I am sure I will come back stronger."

Wingers Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky are also sidelined, so Wenger is keen to add an "exceptional" talent during the transfer window - but only at the right price.

Zenit St Petersburg have turned down an initial £10million bid for wantaway playmaker Andrei Arshavin, but negotiations are understood to be on-going.