Injury Setback Means New Year Return For Arsenal Striker Nicklas Bendtner

The Denmark international striker picked up a groin problem during his team's 3-0 victory against rivals Tottenham Hotspur and after undergoing minor surgery on November 10, was believed to be out for only four weeks.

But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed the player is now out until the New Year.

Speaking to the club's official website, when asked when he anticipated a return for Bendtner, Wenger said: "Let's say the New Year.

"It is quite disappointing because he looked quite sharp and he was short from coming back into the squad."

Wenger then revealed that there was mixed news on the injury front for the Gunners. Both Emmanuel Eboue, who picked up a hamstring problem during the club's 2-0 win against Stoke City last weekend, and Tomas Rosicky would be missing Sunday's match against Liverpool.

But the French boss did confirm that William Gallas, Armand Traore, Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin are expected to recover in time, despite picking up knocks and bruises last weekend.

He added: "We have problems with many players. If you look at the players who started the game against Stoke certainly Eboue and Rosicky will miss this game. Everybody else should make it.

"There are little knocks and bruises here and there. Who could come back? Eduardo and [Abou] Diaby maybe could make the squad. That is the news we have at the moment.

"Gallas, Traore are still doubts but I think they will make it. Fabregas has a back problem and Arshavin has got a bruised foot too but I think they will make it too."