Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas traveled to Barcelona to consult specialist doctor Ramon Cugat about the problem he picked up during Sunday's Barclays Premier League draw with Liverpool when he was tackled by Xabi Alonso. "After consulting with the best doctor possible, we've decided not to operate. If it would have been necessary it would have been the first thing I would have done, but the doctor recommended to me not to do it because I'm young and the meniscus is not damaged," Fabregas was quoted as saying in Marca.

"Although we cannot be certain because the injury only happened a few days ago, but I will be out for more or less four months. My intention is to return as soon as possible to help my team-mates.

"I will endeavour to return as soon as possible to do what I like most, to play football.

"It's the first serious injury that I've had in my career. Everybody gets injured and now it's my turn. I will have to wait, undertake my recovery and return as soon as possible."