The Spain midfielder was again conspicuous by his absence from the squad for tonight's final pre-season friendly against Benfica in Portugal.

Wenger had last week purposely omitted the Arsenal skipper from the Emirates Cup, admitting the player, who has been hampered by a hamstring problem, had become unsettled by continued speculation over a move back to Barcelona.

The Gunners boss feels his captain needs more rehabilitation time ahead of any anticipated return to action in an Arsenal shirt.

"He is just coming back from injury and is not ready to play in a game, but he is not injured," Wenger said.

"I don't think Fabregas will be ready to start the season because he has been out for a long time and has had no games."

Barcelona have already seen an initial £27million offer firmly rebuffed earlier in the summer, but remain determined to bring their former trainee back to the Nou Camp. Arsenal, though, are standing firm in their £40million valuation.

Wenger added: "I do not want to speak about the transfer of Fabregas because I have done that three years now in every press conference so I don't think there is any more need to add something.

"I love Fabregas and I want him to stay, that is basically it.

"Everybody is free to think what they want. We cannot stop people raising questions."

If Fabregas played in Arsenal's Champions League play-off against Udinese, the midfielder would then be cup-tied were a move to go through ahead of the August 31 transfer deadline.

The first leg of the qualifying tie will be played at the Emirates Stadium on August 16, when Wenger will serve a one-match touchline ban following UEFA disciplinary action.

Midfielder Samir Nasri - who misses tomorrow's friendly with a "muscular problem" - was also sanctioned by UEFA, while striker Robin van Persie sees his suspension for a controversial sending-off against Barcelona carried over into Arsenal's next Champions League tie.

Wenger continues to try to strengthen the squad, but has so far been frustrated in his moves for Valencia winger Juan Mata, along with English defensive duo Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka.

"I can understand the impatience of people," he said.

"We want to add not quality, but super quality.

"We hope to give you some good news soon. Next week, something might happen."

Neither Jack Wilshere nor Theo Walcott will be involved tonight because of ankle problems, which is expected to impact on their involvement in next week's England friendly against Holland at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue have not been included as they aim to push through respective moves to Sporting Lisbon and Galatasaray.