Fabregas out injured as Kovacic stands by for debut

Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of Chelsea’s game against his former club Arsenal after picking up an injury.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri says the problem is not serious and he hopes the midfielder will resume training next week.

“Fabregas is out for this match. I hope he will be able to be on the pitch next week. I am not sure,” Sarri said.

“He has a very unusual injury. I hope in the next week he will be able to have training with his team-mates.

“It is nothing serious. It is not the knee but it is near the knee.”

Speaking at a media conference on Friday afternoon, Sarri also indicated that recent signing Mateo Kovačić could play some part against the Gunners.

The Croatian, brought in on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, is expected to be among Chelsea’s substitutes on Saturday.

“I think Mateo will be very useful for us. He is a very good player,” Sarri said.

“At this moment he has to work. I think he is not ready now for 90 minutes. But maybe tomorrow for the last 30 or 40 minutes he can be used.

“I expect a lot from him because for me he is a very great player and in my opinion he can improve more.

“I think he can play in the three midfielders; centre-right or centre-left is the same for him.

“He is a very good offensive player but he has improved in the defensive phase in the last two years in Madrid.”