Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas admits he was always likely to injure his hamstring in his wonderful cameo against Aston Villa last month.

Fabregas suffered his latest injury setback when sprinting the length of the field to score a crucial second goal in the 3-0 home win over Aston Villa on December 27.

However, the Spain international, who came off the bench to turn the match, would have no qualms about putting his body on the line again.

"If I had not made the 50-yard sprint, then I probably would not have aggravated the injury. Sometimes, though, you need to do it," he said.

"I told the physios before the game, 'if I play, you know me, if I am on the pitch, I will be everywhere.'

"I cannot stay in a small area and just pass it, I like to move.

"Even when I know I am not 100%, I can't help doing that when I am out there."