Rosicky to return in March 'at the earliest'

Tomas Rosicky will be back in March “at the earliest”.

The Czech midfielder was last seen in an Arsenal shirt on January 26 when he hobbled off after nine minutes of the FA Cup tie with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium.

The problem turned out to be his hamstring tendon and, according to Arsène Wenger, “the recovery period was slower than expected”. Rosicky underwent revision surgery a month ago in Germany. He returns to this country in 10 days’ time to continue his rehabilitation. But it will be well into the New Year before the 27-year-old plays again.

"He's doing rehab at the moment,” said Wenger. “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.”

However, as revealed by Arsenal.com on Saturday, there is much better news about the other long-term absentee - Eduardo.

"He will play on December 16 in the reserve team,” said Wenger.

That game against Portsmouth will be shown live on Arsenal TV and streamed live on Arsenal TV Online.