LONDON – Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is running without pain after a hamstring injury and is confident of playing in next week's Champions League game at Barcelona.
The Spanish midfielder was hurt Feb. 23 during Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke. Writing in Arsenal's program for Wednesday night's FA Cup fifth-round replay against Leyton Orient, Fabregas says he could return for Saturday's league match against Sunderland.
Fabregas says "I'm running, getting better and don't sense any pain at the moment. Perhaps I'll have a chance for Saturday."
In the first leg of the second round, Arsenal beat Barcelona 2-1. The Gunners will be without Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott for the second leg next Tuesday.
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