Cesc Fabregas won't be playing in the Carling Cup Final
The Spanish midfielder has a hamstring strain Reuters

Arsenal will be without the services of star midfielder Cesc Fabregas when they face Birmingham in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The Spanish midfielder strained his hamstring on Wednesday in a home game against Stoke City. The injury isn't considered serious, but the club is taking all necessary precautions.

According to reports, Fabregas is fit for the final but Arsene Wenger says there's no chance of him playing in the final, which basically concedes how much Wenger values the 23-year old for the upcoming Premier League matches and the second leg against Barcelona at Nou Camp on March 8.

Theo Walcott will also be sidelined for the final after spraining his ankle against Stoke, and is expected to miss one-to-two weeks.

Robin Van Persie and Laurent Koscielny will be available after nursing minor injuries.

Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder), Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) and Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) won't be available for the Gunners.

As for Birmingham, manager Alex McLeish has not ruled out midfielder Alexander Hleb, who suffered a knee injury against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. A scan on Monday showed bruising but no ligament damage.

Other Blues players who will be inactive for the Carling Cup final include Scott Dann (hamstring), Eric Valles (ankle) and James McFadden (knee). Martin Jiranek (hip) and Liam Ridgewell (calf) are questionable.