Cesc Fabregas fears his season could be over after suffering a suspected broken leg during Arsenal's dramatic 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw against Barcelona at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners skipper had been a doubt for the game after suffering severe bruising to his knee and leg during the Premier League game at Birmingham. However, Fabregas returned to lead the side, and played a pivotal role in their comeback after falling 2-0 down to a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to have all but killed off the tie.

During the closing stages, after substitute Theo Walcott had pulled a goal back, the Gunners skipper - who would have missed the second leg against his old club after being booked in the first half - was bundled over by Carles Puyol and awarded a penalty. It was during that collision with the Barcelona captain, who was shown a red card by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca, that Fabregas suffered the latest problem which the Spain international believes could even end his season - and perhaps threaten a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

I fear the worst, which is that I have broken something. I do not think it is going to be good news, but still I hope there will be.
Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas

"I am not good," said Fabregas, who left Emirates Stadium on crutches. "We have to wait for tomorrow, but I hope I can wear the Arsenal shirt again this season. I fear the worst, which is that I have broken something. I do not think it is going to be good news, but still I hope there will be.

"When I took the penalty, I was quite strong, but after when I went to get the ball, I could not walk any more. It is the fibula. I think I put my leg between Puyol's when I was fouled, and kicked it."

Fabregas added: "Until the penalty, I was feeling quite good. It has been an amazing experience and I will remember it for the rest of my life."

Barcelona dominated large parts of the match and Fabregas said he was delighted that his side had dug deep to keep the tie alive. "It was a very hard game to play in," said the midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2003.

"It was one of the most difficult games we have ever played in and one of the most difficult games that the Arsenal fans have seen at the Emirates and at Highbury. It was very difficult because they have great players who are good on the ball. We knew it was going to be difficult but we showed character and courage and we are happy with the 2-2."