Fabregas fired up to fill Messi void

The 26-year-old believes he can fill in for the
injured Barcelona forward during his absence
if called upon in Tuesday’s match at Celtic Park
Cesc Fabregas believes he can fill the void left
by the injured Lionel Messi in the Barcelona XI
ahead of their Champions League clash with
Celtic on Tuesday.
The Argentina international, who has scored 62
goals in 80 appearances in the elite European
competition, suffered a thigh injury in
Saturday's 2-0 win over Almeria and is
expected to spend up to three weeks on the
sidelines.
In Messi's absence, coach Gerardo Martino has
to figure out a replacement and Fabregas is
eager to take on the role of lead forward.
"Messi is the best player in the world, he
makes a difference, but he won't play [against
Celtic]. We can't do anything about that," the
former Arsenal midfielder told reporters on
Monday.
"Without Messi, we will all have to take more
responsibility. We have to step up, don't feel
his absence and play football without him.
"I might have more offensive responsibilities. I
will try and help the team as a striker or
whatever other position I play.
"Now I feel confident, in good shape and the
coach trusts me. I am in a good moment.
Maybe I need to be more consistent."
The Catalans suffered a 2-1 defeat at Celtic
Park at this stage in the competition last
season and, while Fabregas is aware of the
difficulties they will face on Tuesday, he feels
the team has learned from their mistakes.
"We’ve learned our lesson from last year," the
26-year-old continued. "They had two chances
and scored two goals. It could be a very
similar game to last year, especially as it was
successful for them.
"We are not upset about last year, we played a
good game but must not give the ball away,
maximise our chances and score goals.
"If you follow the Champions League you know
coming to Celtic Park will always be a tough
game.
"I played here with Arsenal as well and it is
difficult. The Celtic fans are always behind
their team. They take a corner and it feels like
a goal."
Neymar remains another option to replace the
injured Lionel Messi, and Fabregas admits the
young Brazilian would be more than up to the
task.
"He’s got so much talent and he’s like lightning
in tight spaces," he added. "He’s a star, but in
the future he’s going to be even bigger.
"He’s got the world at his feet and we’ll see
how he develops. It’s a tough game to face the
challenge of replacing Messi, but if anyone is
ready to do it then it’s Neymar.
"Pressure doesn’t affect him. I think he’s ready
mentally. We really need the wide players."