Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas faces three months on the sidelines - at least. The Sun says Arsenal's skipper, 21, suffered medial ligament damage in a challenge with Xabi Alonso during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

He is definitely out of the Champions League clash with Roma and a pal revealed: "He is bitterly upset. It could not have come at a worse time of the season for him or the club."

The Spain star fears he will need surgery to repair the problem. He had a second scan on his damaged right knee last night, after an earlier examination revealed the severity of the injury.

The pal added: "He has been told he will not be available until the end of March, which means he will miss the next round of the Champions League and a number of crucial Premier League matches.

"He should know shortly whether or not he will need an operation but it's not looking good."

Fabregas, who has been battling a knee problem for a month, was close to tears as he limped off at half-time at the Emirates.