Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of Wednesday`s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk because of a hamstring injury, according to BBC.

But Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said the injury is not serious and hopes Fabregas will face Newcastle on Sunday.

Wenger said: "There`s no real strain, it`s just a little bit of pain, but we can`t take a gamble because he`s had injuries before in his hamstring."

Видео дня

Alex Song, Andrei Arshavin and Denilson are doubtful for the European tie.

Fabregas injured his hamstring against Sunderland on 18 September and did not return to action until the 5-1 victory over Shakhtar at the Emirates on 19 October.

Wenger did not reveal when Fabregas suffered the new injury but the midfielder will not travel with the squad to Ukraine.

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

"There`s still a bit of reluctance to push it 100%."

Song has a calf problem, Denilson has a groin injury and Arshavin has an unspecified problem.

All three will be assessed later on Tuesday.