Arsenal injury news: Tomas Rosicky to return to full training in three weeks, confirms Wenger

Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of a busy run of fixtures in January, with Tomas Rosicky expected to be back in full training within the next three weeks. The midfielder has not kicked a single ball over the course of the campaign and would add some much needed strength in depth into the Gunners midfield, which is down to its bare bones.

Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta are the other players who are injured, leaving Arsene Wenger to choose between Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini in the midfield. The duo have done a commendable job thus far but an injury to either would force Wenger to deploy Calum Chambers or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain through the middle, something he needs to take account of when the January transfer window is upon the Gunners.

The Frenchman revealed that he is in the market to do some business if an opportunity presents itself and has been linked with moves for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny and Paris Saint-Germain youngster Adrian Rabiot. Rosicky's arrival will give them some energy in the midfield, which they have been missing this season, with the Czech Republic international capable of making marauding runs through the middle of the park.

"In three weeks he could be back in full training," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

The Frenchman also revealed that Alexis Sanchez and Arteta are closest to returning to first team action, with the Chilean likely to be available by the middle of January, having suffered a setback with his hamstring injury in training before the Manchester City game. Joel Campbell, who kept his place in the squad in the absence of Alexis, gave a good account of himself, albeit spurning a few opportunities to put the game beyond doubt in the second half.

The Gunners travel to Southampton on Boxing Day as they look to keep pace with Leicester City at the top of the table. Their win over the Citizens meant that they are currently four points ahead of the 2013/14 champions and two behind league leaders Leicester.