Arsenal's Premier League title challenge was dealt a huge blow on Thursday when captain Cesc Fabregas was ruled out for at least six weeks with a cracked bone in his leg.

"Cesc will miss the remainder of the domestic campaign as he will be out of action for at least six weeks," a statement on the club website (www.arsenal.com) said.

The Spain midfielder suffered a crack in his right fibula after a collision with Barcelona defender Carles Puyol in Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League quarter-final first leg draw.

Fabregas has been in sparkling form for third-placed Arsenal this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. The 22-year-old should recover in time to play at least some part in Spain's World Cup campaign in South Africa this year.

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