Fabregas pulls out of Spain squad with ankle injury

The Barcelona midfielder will not feature in la Roja's upcoming friendly after hobbling off during the Catalans' 3-1 win over Malaysia on Sunday Cesc Fabregas has pulled out of Spain's friendly with Ecuador after sustaining a sprained right ankle.

The Barcelona midfielder hobbled out of action in the 82nd minute of the Catalans' 3-1 win over Malaysia on Saturday, having scored the opener and set up further goals for Neymar and Gerard Pique. The 26-year-old was assessed by doctors on Sunday after arriving back in Spain, with the Liga giants subsequently confirming that he will not feature for la Roja in their upcoming clash.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Cesc Fabregas had a number of tests this morning after arriving back from Malaysia to measure the extent of the ankle injury he picked up in Saturday’s match.

"It has subsequently been confirmed that the player has sprained a ligament in his right ankle.

 

The news comes as a blow to new boss Gerardo Martino, a week before the start of the Liga campaign.

Fabregas - who has been the subject of interest from Manchester United throughout the close season - made 32 league appearances last season, scoring 11 times. He now faces a race against time to be fit for the season opener, as Barca begin their title defence against Levante next Sunday.

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Falcao and Monaco start with a bang

The Colombia international netted with just three minutes to go in his first game for the victorious Rouges et Blanc, while Lyon also made a winning start to their campaign, Radamel Falcao scored on his Ligue 1 debut to help big-spending Monaco record an opening-day 2-0 victory over Bordeaux.

The Colombian striker had to wait until the final three minutes to get his first strike for the club, reacting quickest to control a loose ball before squeezing his shot under Cedric Carrasso from close range.
Falcao's strike came five minutes after substitute Emmanuel Riviere had broken the deadlock with a left-footed volley shortly after replacing James Rodriguez.

Speaking to journalists after the game, El Tigre reflected upon the club's opening matchday fortunes. "First match, first win - it's a good thing. It's given us confidence for what is to follow." "We had many chances in the first half. But the team kept going. This was more difficult in the second half and we had to wait for the right time. This has brought us a smile." 

Clement Grenier and Yoann Gourcuff also got their names on the scoresheet as Remi Garde's side made short work of the team they finished one place and three points ahead of last season. Like Monaco, fellow Ligue 1 newboys Nantes started their campaign with a victory. Toulouse had a disappointing start the season with a 3-0 defeat at Valenciennes. Uros Spajic's sending off just after the half hour gave the hosts a penalty that Maor Melikson converted, with Jose Saez and Gregory Pujol sealing the three points in the second half.

There were also opening-day victories for Lille and Rennes over 10-man Lorient and Reims, respectively, while Evian were held to a 1-1 draw by Sochaux after Roy Contout's strike cancelled out Fabrice Ehret's opener.

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