Arsenal attacker Andrey Arshavin will avoid surgery on a foot injury.

The Daily Mail says the Russia striker has been training lightly and playing with discomfort in the absence of Arsenal strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

But sources close to the player say there is no truth in Russian press reports that he needs to go under the knife.

Club insiders are also confident that Arshavin is managing his injury well and he is expected to start Sunday's match at Bolton Wanderers.