Bendtner admits Arsenal miss Fabregas

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner concedes that the Gunners are beginning to miss the creative spark of sidelined captain, Cesc Fabregas.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is expected to miss up to four months of action after damaging knee ligaments during the Premier League draw with Liverpool eight days ago.

The Gunners got back to winning ways yesterday, winning only their second game of December, with a tight 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Emirates.

Their Danish frontman Bendtner foresees a drought of sorts for his side in the absence of their captain, whose assists have been key to the manner in which Arsene Wenger's line-up conducts its business.

No player laid on more Premier League goals last season, and Bendtner admits that the void in midfield will not be readily filled.

He told Ekstra Bladet: "Of course we notice that he is out. He was our engine and he created loads of chances for others with his fantastic passes."

Arsenal are currently 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League crown, and lie in fourth as a result of some decidely shaky domestic results.

The Gunners' championship status has been reduced to outsiders thanks to defeats to the likes of Fulham, Hull, Stoke and Manchester City.

Bendtner cannot easily recognise where the team's problems have lain, but understands the importance of consistency in one of the most open top-flight seasons in recent years.

He concluded: "I really can't see that we've lost it [the league]. Everyone knows how fast things can change. None of the top sides can afford to relax for the remaining 18 games."