World Cup 2010: Spain Midfielder Cesc Fabregas Disappointed To Be Left On The Bench During Switzerland Defeat

Arsenal skipper hopes to prove he's ready to play.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas confessed it was frustrating not to take part in the favourite's World Cup opener, a shock 1-0 defeat to Switzerland last Wednesday.

The Arsenal captain's future in England has been discussed extensively for weeks, as the 23-year-old has been linked with a return to Barcelona - the club he left as a 16-year-old academy player.

Although Fabregas is considered one of the top playmakers in the modern game, the Gunners' star is stuck behind midfield stars Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso in Spain's pecking order.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque opted to introduce Jesus Navas, Fernando Torres and Pedro Rodriguez instead of the Arsenal skipper against the Swiss.

However, Fabregas insists he is not upset and will keep trying his best to prove his worth to Del Bosque.

"I will not say, 'I'm angry or I don't care about not playing'," Fabregas told Sky Sports.

"I will go through my anger by doing my best on the training ground and proving that I'm ready to do my job.

"I don't have any regrets. I do not play as much as I want but it's normal that the coach chooses the others.

"There is a lot of quality here and everybody deserves to play.

"It's normal that I want to play more, right? Football is my life and I have been fighting all season to be here and help the team with my best."

Spain arrived in South Africa as one of the favourites to win the World Cup, but a goal from Gelson Fernandes and a terrific defensive performance from the Swiss was enough to provide the shock result of the tournament thus far.