Byline: JOHN CROSS
CESC FABREGAS discovered he had been ruled out of the Carling Cup final by reading the Arsenal website.
The Gunners midfielder was devastated by the internet bombshell because he was determined to face Birmingham despite suffering a hamstring injury in midweek.
But he had clear-the-air talks with boss Arsene Wenger and Fabregas hopes the Football League will let him lift the trophy as club captain if Arsenal win tomorrow.
The Spain World Cup winner believed he was fit enough to play a part in Arsenal's bid for a first trophy since 2005 - then read of Wenger's decision on-line.
Wenger said: "He's disappointed, but his disappointment is diminished by the fact we have other main targets after this game - the championship, the Champions League, the FA Cup."
Wenger insisted it was too much of a risk to play Fabregas .
He did not tell him personally as he was at a board meeting on Thursday before releasing an injury update that night.
Fabregas hoped to persuade the Gunners boss to change his mind yesterday .
But with a Champions League trip to Barcelona 10 days away and crucial games in the title race looming, Wenger would not budge.
"If he plays he could make it much worse and be out for three, four, five weeks maybe," added Wenger.
Robin van Persie (above) will skipper the team tomorrow.
Of Fabregas's plan to lift the trophy a Football League spokesman said: "We would certainly consider it."
CAPTION(S):
FINAL AGONY But skipper Fabregas still hopes to lift the trophy YOUNG GUNN GO FOR IT! Arsene Wenger is backing teen star Jack Wilshere to help Arsenal claim the Carling Cup at Wembley tomorrow
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