Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was in line to enter the New Year boasting the most assists in Europe before breaking down with injury.

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas now sits top, with Rooney second.

TOP ASSISTS IN EUROPE

1) Cesc Fàbregas, Barcelona - 10 assists (17 games)

2) Wayne Rooney, Manchester United - 9 assists (17 games)

3) Koke, Atlético Madrid - 9 assists (18 games)

4) Franck Ribéry, Bayern Munich - 8 assists (13 games)

5) Neymar, Barcelona - 8 assists (15 games)

6) Gareth Bale, Real Madrid - 7 assists (11 games)

7) Gonzalo Castro, Bayer Leverkusen - 7 assists (13 games)

8) Mesut Özil, Arsenal - 7 assists (15 games)

9) Max Kruse, Borussia Mönchengladbach - 7 assists (16 games)

10) Rakitic, Sevilla - 7 assists (18 games)