The Spain Euro 2008 winner is set to be out of action until April at the earliest, after suffering ligament damage during a tackle with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

It is the first long-time lay-off for the 21-year-old, who was handed the armband by Arsene Wenger in place of William Gallas earlier this season.

Fabregas was back at Emirates Stadium for the recent FA Cup tie against Plymouth and keeps up to speed on the Gunners progress.

But when it comes to everything else surrounding the game, the midfielder - who has now taken a holiday and will continue his rehabilitation under the guidance of a specialist in Barcelona - is just not interested.

"I am not really thinking about football, watching games, following the transfer market, nothing. I am just forgetting about everything to do with football," said Fabregas, speaking in his column in the official Arsenal matchday programme.

"Even my girlfriend is surprised, because it is unusual for me. But to be honest when it comes to football at the moment, I am off it until I can start to get fit again."

The Spaniard admits watching the Gunners from the stands is tough.

"It is the most difficult part of being injured, not being able to get out there and touch the ball and be there with your team-mates," he said.

"It is a bit painful, but I know I must accept it."

"All players will go through times like this in their career, and now is my moment to experience it.

"I will just have to stay as positive as I can until I am back playing again.

"I want to relax as much as possible and I am sure I will come back stronger."

Wingers Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky are also sidelined, so Wenger is keen to add an "exceptional" talent during the transfer window - but only at the right price.

Zenit St Petersburg have turned down an initial £10million bid for wantaway playmaker Andrei Arshavin, but negotiations are understood to be on-going.

The Russians, though, are determined to get closer to double that figure for the sought-after 27-year-old, with cash-rich Manchester City said to be ready to step in and hijack the transfer with a big-money offer.

Meanwhile, Croatia striker Eduardo continues his return to fitness following almost a year out with a broken leg.

Wenger, though, erred on the side of caution as far as the Brazil-born forward is concerned.

He said: "Everybody is so impatient with him. Let's not rush it too much."