Arsenal Midfielder to Return from Long-Term Knee Injury

Arsene Wenger is set to welcome Ghana-born midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong to first team duty.

The 20-year-old midfielder first suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training in August 2010, and suffered a recurrence of that same injury in February, while on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, effectively ending his season.

However, Goal.com now reports the former England Under 17 international could return to full training as early as the end of September, following a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

The high-profile Premier League double header against Manchester City (at the Etihad on 23 September) and Chelsea (at the Emirates on 29 September) may come too early for Frimpong, but he could be in contention for a starting berth by the time German club Schalke visit for a Champions League tie on 24 October.

"I will be back in full trainig with the squad on 17th on this month. Two cruciate knee injuries couldn't end my career, it's been a long 7 months," the player tweeted.

There is more good news for Wenger, as the Gunners' treatment rooms start to slowly empty of first team players. Influential midfielder Jack Wilshere is also expected to return to first-team training and will be available for selection soon, along with Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky and French defender Bacary Sagna.

Vermi Dismisses Injury Fears

Meanwhile, the Gunners' Belgian centre back, Thomas Vermaelen, whose form has been key to the club's excellent defensive start to the season, has dismissed concerns he may have suffered an injury to his ankle.

The defender is presently with his national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Croatia. He was seen having his ankle attended to by team doctors, raising fears the minor knock he suffered during his club's 2-0 win over Liverpool may be something more serious.

"It is fine, it just my ankle from last week - but it is okay," the 26-year-old explained.

Vermaelen also spoke about the contribution of Arsenal's new defensive coach, Steve Bould, in revitalising the Gunners' back line.

"He is our assistant now and has a lot of experience at a high level with Arsenal," Vermaelen said, "We work a lot on our defensive play and you can see that with our three clean sheets."

Arsenal will host newly promoted Southampton in a Premier League fixture on 15 September, once the international break is over, before travelling to France to play French champions Montpellier, in their opening group game of the Champions League.