Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is upbeat, despite a new injury setback.

The Czech Republic international was ruled out of this week's Group Three matches, the 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Saturday and the crucial fixture against Slovakia in Prague, because of a minor groin problem.

Rosicky's latest setback is a bitter pill after more than a year out with hamstring trouble.

The 28-year-old returned to training recently and appeared set to be back in the frame for his country.

Despite his latest disappointment, he told his website: "I don't want to jinx it, but it seems that my football life is getting back to normal.

"The most important thing is that the place where I had the cursed hamstring surgery is okay and is enduring the training sessions."

Rosicky does not expect the groin injury to trouble him for too long.

"I can't wait to start playing, and the stress that made me feel low in the past is now gone," he added.