Fabregas hopes to compete in final

Arsene Wenger is keen not to take a risk with the Spaniard with a run of crucial games coming up including the clash with Barcelona on March 8, but Fabregas’s trainer insisted he could still play against Birmingham.

“If the scanner confirms what we hope, Cesc can play in the Nou Camp on March 8 without problems, no doubt.

“We are optimistic after tests this morning. Cesc asked for the change (against Stoke) as a precaution. He noticed a strange feeling but it stopped. Cesc could play this weekend.”