There are few players who personify the tempestuous season Arsenal have endured better than their captain Cesc Fabregas and it appears to have taken its toll.

The Spaniard had the captaincy thrust upon him only to then suffer a serious knee injury before becoming embroiled in an ugly spat with Hull despite not even playing.

He was then played out of his natural position and appears to have lost his form amid persistent rumours former club Barcelona or Real Madrid could tempt him back to his homeland this summer.

The crestfallen body language during last weekend's 4-1 defeat to Chelsea is a world away from the bullish figure who returned triumphant from Euro 2008 confident he could translate that winning mentality to a club searching for their first trophy in four seasons.

After an initial burst upon his return from a near four-month absence, Fabregas has become an increasingly subdued and peripheral figure. Manager Arsene Wenger admits the tribulations have taken its toll.

"We have not completely seen the best of Cesc since he returned from injury," he said. "But that is natural when a player has been out for three months. It takes some time to come back completely.

"He is a player who cares about results and nobody comes back and is straight away 100 per cent.

"You will see the real Cesc Fabregas next season.

"You cannot care and not be affected. I believe he has been very strong mentally, resolute and determined. He has given as much as he can.

"He is the new captain and has learned his job. At the start it is a burden, because you wonder if you can absorb it and do that job.

"But you will see Fabregas in good form next season because he is growing into that role as captain."

Wenger's faith in the 22-year-old will remain unwavering but his legitimacy as captain is questionable. There is no doubt that he can lead by example but Fabregas does not answer the long-standing criticism that the team lack a robust lionheart in the mould of John Terry or Steven Gerrard.

He is yet to produce his best with the armband but there are other mitigating factors, not least the fact that Spain's run at the Euro's denied him a close-season break.

This can, of course, be said of a host of Premier League players but few have the burden of responsibility for one so young as Fabregas.

It would be an over-reaction to question his fitness but he tired badly towards the end of last season and if the captaincy can so markedly affect the form of a player like William Gallas, then surely it is plausible Fabregas is feeling a similar effect.

Ray Parlour, who made over 330 appearances for Arsenal between 1992 and 2004, said: "Fabregas has looked a little bit tired. He has suffered with injuries and not been in the team as much as he was last season.

"Maybe that's down to the European Championships - its a long season and he has not really had an extended off- season break for two years.

"I always preferred centre-halves to have the armband because they can see the whole game like Tony Adams but Patrick Vieira did the job well in midfield. He has got a lot on his shoulders but he is very experienced for a player at such a young age.

"He suffered a knee ligament injury and I have had one of those. They are really hard to come back from and he clearly is still struggling to get back to his best form.

"Maybe he is exhausted. He needs a rest now and I am sure he is looking forward to recharging his batteries."

Burn-out is a possibility and just as Wenger has raised concerns about Theo Walcott's participation in the Under 21's European Championships, the Gunners manager is likely to oppose any attempt by Vicente Del Bosque to call up Fabregas for the Confederations Cup.

Spain could play as many as five matches in a two-week period beginning on 14 June to further exacerbate the situation.

But Wenger is perhaps not entirely absolved from blame.

Fabregas has openly admitted he is yet to adapt in his new position off the main striker in Arsenal's 4-2-3-1 system and the lack of quality in defensive midfield areas may be nullifying his effectiveness.

It was noticeable during the semi-final, first leg defeat at Old Trafford that Fabregas had to abandon his forward thinking to help out in defence and Parlour said: "He hasn't got that insurance of a player behind him that can mop up and give him licence to play an attacking role.

"Mathieu Flamini was perfect at winning the second ball in key areas. The likes of Abou Diaby and Denilson are excellent players and Alex Song has done well but I don't know if they are ready to play every week to the level that is required."

Most worryingly, although Fabregas publicly denies any intention to leave Emirates Stadium, his miserable demeanour has encouraged the notion that he will fulfil his desire of one day returning to play in Spain sooner rather than later. "His body language was bad in the Champions League semi against United but then so was everyone's," added Parlour. "People say he is going to move to Barcelona or Real Madrid but for me he will be there next season without a doubt. He respects Arsene Wenger so much that he will stay while the boss is there."

ESPN Classic (Sky Channel 442) will be showing Arsenal v Man Utd clashes back to back this weekend from 6am - 1pm on 16 & 17 May. For details, visit: www.espnclassic.com

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