Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is out of their Sunday showdown with Chelsea. The London Evening Standard says Fabregas has privately admitted defeat in his battle to lead the Gunners out at Stamford Bridge despite intense treatment on a problem sustained in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland two weeks ago.
Manager Arsene Wenger claimed yesterday the Spaniard had "a little hope" of facing the champions but is believed to be unwilling to risk further damage.
Fabregas has sought the advice of specialists in a bid to find a permanent cure for his hamstring troubles after having to be substituted five times in the last 13 months with similar problems.
Arsenal sit four points behind leaders Chelsea after last weekend's home defeat by West Brom and are already without a host of first-team players including Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner.
