Cesc Fabregas admits Arsenal have struggled following the departures of Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini. "We have a short squad and we are very young," Fabregas admitted.

"Behind me Denilson and (Alexandre) Song play, and they are 20. (Theo) Walcott is 19 and (Samir] Nasri is 21.

"Can you imagine I'm the oldest midfielder? Winning will be tough for us because we are not experienced.

"Last season I scored a lot because I had (Tomas) Rosicky, and (Mathieu) Flamini who used to run all over the pitch.

"(Alexander) Hleb as well, who is like my brother. They have gone now and I feel weird. We are more conservative and strong, but with less touches."

Still, the Spaniard remains confident that Arsene Wenger's youth policy is the right one.

The 21 year old added: "Arsene Wenger has crystal clears ideas, there aren't two like him. He doesn't want to spend money as he prefers to trust youngsters.

"His idea is that Walcott can't develop if you sign Cristiano (Ronaldo)."