The midfielder will not travel with the squad to Ukraine but manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful he will be able to face Newcastle on Sunday.

"He has a good chance to play on Sunday but tomorrow night is too risky," the Frenchman said.

"He has no real strain, just a bit of pain. I don't know what it's down to but we cannot take a gamble as he has had injuries before. There's still a bit of reluctance to push it 100%."

Wenger also has fitness concerns over three of his other midfielders, with Alex Song, Andrey Arshavin and Denilson all struggling.

"Alex Song has a problem with his calf which we will assess today, he has a chance not to travel," Wenger added.

"Arshavin has a problem and we might leave him at home and Denilson has a groin problem.

"The one that is definitely out is Fabregas, the three others will be assessed later."