Fabregas to miss Bosnia clash due to family matter

MADRID, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Cesc Fabregas has had to leave the Spain squad in Armenia and fly to Barcelona because of a “serious family matter” and will miss Wednesday’s World Cup Group Five qualifier in Bosnia.

The Arsenal captain, who scored to set Spain on their way to a 2-1 win in Yerevan on Saturday, had flown to the Catalan capital with Barcelona pair Xavi and Carles Puyol, who will also miss the match in Zenica, the Spanish soccer federation said on their website (www.rfef.es).

Midfielder Xavi has a problem with his right knee and will be treated by Barca’s medical staff and defender Puyol was booked against Armenia and is suspended for the Bosnia match, the federation said.

European champions Spain had already secured their place in South Africa next year as group winners and Saturday’s victory was their ninth out of nine in the group.

Defender Carlos Marchena picked up a thigh injury in the match and has returned to Valencia for tests, while striker Fernando Torres and midfielder Andres Iniesta both ended the game with minor muscle problems, the RFEF said. (Reporting by Iain Rogers, Editing by Peter Rutherford; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)