MADRID (AFP) - Cesc Fabregas is a doubt for the start of the new Spanish Primera Liga season after spraining his ankle in a 3-1 friendly win over a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur, his club Barcelona said on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who was courted by Manchester United this summer before opting to remain at the Nou Camp, will miss Spain's midweek friendly against Ecuador but could also skip the start of the new season next weekend.

"The tests conducted have confirmed that the player has sprained ligaments on the outside of his right ankle," said Barca in a statement.

Barcelona said they have contacted the Spanish Football Federation with the hope that Fabregas can undergo treatment in the Catalan capital rather than joining up with the national squad, who play Ecuador in Guayaquil on Wednesday.

The club did not reveal how long Fabregas will be out for but local press say he will miss the champions' La Liga clash with Levante next Sunday.