Djourou boost for Gunners

Djourou: Knee concern

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou's knee injury is not as serious as first feared.

The 24-year-old, who was restricted to just one appearance last season by a knee problem, limped out of Saturday's 4-4 draw at Newcastle shortly after half-time.

There were concerns that the Swiss centre-back had suffered a recurrence of the injury which blighted him during the last campaign, but these have been eased by his international FA.

Djourou will miss the midweek friendly clash with Malta, but has a chance of being involved in Saturday's home game against Wolves.

Healing process

Switzerland physio Cuno Wetzel said: "Johan Djourou's knee injury is clearly not as bad as first feared.

"The player suffered very painful bruising on the knee but, if the healing process runs as it should, Djourou could probably begin training in less than one week."

The news comes as a relief to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as his only two other fit centre-halves are Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.

Belgium central defender Thomas Vermaelen has been out of action with an Achilles injury since September and is not expected to be back until the end of the month at the earliest.