Once again an unused substitute under Antonio Conte at the weekend in the 2-0 win over Hull City, Cesc Fabregas is currently living through one of the tougher periods of his already long career.
A regular starter at Chelsea under José Mourinho and Guus Hiddink, the player also enjoyed regular football during his Barcelona days, and the lack of game time has cost him his spot in the Spain squad.
Ignored by Julen Lopetegui for the World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania, the 29-year-old might have to start looking elsewhere for time on the pitch if things don’t improve by January.
One man, however, who has full confidence in his teammate’s ability is Diego Costa, who was speaking to the press as the Spain squad arrived to La Ciudad de Fùtbol on Monday.
Relayed by Sport, he said: “Cesc knows he has many chances to return. He isn’t playing at the moment for various reasons, but he knows that he will be called up again because of his ability.”
Fabregas has only made three starts under Conte so far: one in the 3-0 loss to Arsenal, and two in the EFL Cup where he scored two goals, both coming in extra-time against Leicester City.
