Spain's first World Cup match is on 16 June

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has begun training again following a leg injury which has kept him out of the side's run-in to the Premier League season.

The 22-year-old underwent a scan on the injury last week and said he is now aiming to join the Spain squad on 24 May ahead of the World Cup.

"My recovery from a cracked fibula is on schedule," Fabregas said.

"I have started jogging for the first time, and it looks as if I will begin running again properly tomorrow."

The midfielder, who has been out of action since the Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Barcelona in April, continued: "I am happy with how things are going.

"Now I just have to be patient, making sure I come back as strongly as I can."



Fabregas was writing in his captain's programme notes ahead of Arsenal's final game of the season against Fulham at the Emirates.

He added: "On May 24, I will join up with the Spanish national team and should be able to join in a bit when we play Saudi Arabia five days later.

"The timing is looking good for the World Cup, but I am sad not to have played a part in the end of Arsenal's season."

Spain's opening World Cup match in South Africa is against Switzerland at Durban on 16 June.