Wenger Delighted as Injured Forward Nears Return to Competitive Action

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Lukas Podolski is now just a few weeks away from being available after once again training with the first team ahead of Arsenal's crucial Champions League game against Marseille.

The German international has been out of action since August after suffering a serious hamstring injury but could soon make a long awaited return as he looks to prove his fitness.

Podolski was only able to feature in two league games before suffering the injury against Fenerbahce and has been forced to sit on the sidelines as Arsenal have made a hugely impressive start to the season.

Despite Wenger having a lack of options in attack, the North London club sit atop of the Premier League table and on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

As they prepare to face bottom of the table Marseille, Wenger has revealed that Podolski was able to train with the first team and he is now just a short time away from making his comeback.

"It's not the first time he's trained but he is still a few weeks away," Wenger confirmed to the official Arsenal website.

"It's great [to see him back] because he is a quality player. He can score goals, he can play in different positions, like centre forward and on the flanks. That is vital for us, to get everybody back."

Wenger will be delighted that he will soon have more options in attack as Theo Walcott has just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also making steady progress in his bid to return to full fitness.

With Podolski now just a few weeks away, Arsenal may well soon be back to full strength for the vital month of December when games come thick and fast around the festive period.