Cesc Fabregas misses final pre-season friendly

Cesc Fabregas will miss Arsenal's final pre-season friendly match against Benfica today.

The midfielder was expected to make the trip but was not on the list of players confirmed for the team's flight to Portugal. The captain is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.

"He is just coming back from injury and is not ready to play in a game, but he is not injured," manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.

The 24-year-old was left out of the Emirates Cup last week after reportedly becoming unsettled by the constant rumours of his potential move to Barcelona.

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

"I love Fabregas and want him to stay."

Arsenal, who rejected a bid of £27m from Barcelona on Friday, are reportedly holding out for £40m for the player.