The 23-year-old has been a bit part player in Spain’s run to Sunday’s final having been hampered by injuries and having a long list of talented players ahead of him.

The likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso have all been given preference in the middle of the part over Fabregas and Vicente del Bosque is unlikely to change that for the final.

Spain (21/20 to beat Holland in 90 minutes) looked finally back to their best in Wednesday’s semi-final victory over Germany, passing Joachim Low’s side into submission in a superb display of possession football.

Del Bosque’s side had struggled at times on their route to the final, losing to Switzerland in their first group match while stumbling through the knock out rounds against Portugal and Paraguay.

However, they looked in top form in Durban in mid week and will carry a lot of confidence into Sunday’s match against the unbeaten Dutch.

Spain came into the tournament as favourites having won the European championship two years ago, beating Germany in the final.

While they haven’t quite lived up to their previous billing a Fabregas-less outfit look in good shape for the final.

With Spain finally clicking into gear without Fabregas it seems certain that he will start on the bench in Soccer City.

The Arsenal star was tipped to start the semi-final against Germany before leg and shoulder injuries saw him start amongst the substitutes, del Bosque reluctant to risk the midfielder considering his previous injury concerns.

Having played so well against Germany and with no fresh injuries it looks as though the Spain coach will stick with the starting eleven, meaning Pedro (5/2 anytime goalscorer) will start ahead of Fernando Torres (7/4) again.

Fabregas admits it is unlikely he will start on Sunday but says he is just desperate to play any part in a World Cup final.

“I’m so proud Spain is in the World Cup final, but it means nothing if we don’t win it,” Fabregas told The Sun.

“I am desperate to play at least some part in tomorrow’s game.

“What player on the planet wouldn’t be? It’s everything we dream of from the moment we start kicking a ball to the moment we learn all about the world’s greatest football tournament.

“If I’m lucky enough to get a start, I will give everything I have. But if I have to start on the bench, then so be it. All I can pray for is that I get a chance to play some part of this unbelievable game.”

Fabregas started the Euro 2008 final against Germany in place of the injured David Villa having made a telling impact in the quarters and semi-finals.

However, he looks destine to be a bit part player in Sunday’s final despite his previous performances in major tournaments.

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