Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas hopes he
can return to action "earlier than expected" as his recovery from a
serious knee injury continues.
It had been feared the Spain Euro 2008 winner was set to
be out of action until April after suffering ligament damage during
a tackle with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso in the Premier League match
at Emirates Stadium on December 21.
Fabregas' rehabilitation is being conducted under the guidance
of a specialist in Barcelona, and the 21-year-old feels things are
progressing well.
"My leg is getting stronger and the doctors tell me that the
ligament has healed," Fabregas wrote in his programme notes ahead
of the game against West Ham.
"Now it is about building up the muscle and on Thursday I had a
very little jog for the first time, so it is good news and I am
happy because I can see a big improvement.
"I will take it step by step, but hopefully I can come back
earlier than first expected. However, let's wait and see."
Fabregas added: "I will be coming back to England in two weeks'
time and, after being assessed by the physios, we will set a target
date for my return."
The news will have come as a welcome boost to manager Arsene
Wenger, who has other long-term absentees Eduardo, Theo Walcott and
Tomas Rosicky all building towards a first-team return before the
end of the season.