The Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky has been out with a damaged hamstring tendon since January and, after making a slower than expected recovery, underwent surgery on the problem in Germany a month ago. Boss Arsene Wenger admits it will be some time before the 27-year-old will be ready to play again, telling the club's official website.

"He's back here on December 17 and then hopefully we can start to work with him. But it's a long-term prospect - maybe March at the earliest."