The Spain midfielder limped off during the 2-0 Champions League defeat in Braga last week after suffering a fresh setback in what has been an injury-plagued campaign.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger hopes his talisman will be fit for the visit to Barclays Premier league leaders Manchester United on December 13.

Fabregas, though, wants to make sure he is 100% ready for a comeback.

"I don't want to put a date on my return yet, I will take my time," Fabregas said in his programme notes for tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final clash against Wigan.

"The team did really well without me against Aston Villa, so I will wait until it is completely ready.

"It is so frustrating, though. It seems when something like that happens, it all goes wrong at the same time, so you have to be strong, put everything behind you and keep working."

Fabregas was given some extra time off to recovery after the World Cup final, but feels Arsenal are yet to see him firing on all cylinders.

"I know I haven't been at my best this season," said the Spaniard, who almost joined boyhood club Barcelona during the summer.

"I started the season really strongly, the first few games, but after that I had an injury and got into a pattern of missing a few games, and then starting again.

"So it is better my team-mates play, because they are fitter than me.

"I will just try to get back whenever I can. My team-mates are helping me a lot and I am trying my best."