Lukas Podolski
Podolski has been out since August.

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski could return from injury in December after upping his recovery from a hamstring tear, Goal.com report.

The Germany international hasn't featured since the Champions League play-off win over Fenerbahce in August, missing the last two-and-a-half months with a serious hamstring injury.

But Podolski, whose return has continued to be pushed back after his recovery stalled in recent weeks, could feature in the Premier League visit of Everton on 8 December.

Podolski's recovery comes at an ideal time for Arsenal, at the start of the busiest period of the season, where the club face seven games in December including a run of three matches in six days.

The Premier League leaders face Manchester City and Chelsea around Christmas also, in another test of their title credentials, while the return of Podolski is likely to take some weight off Olivier Giroud's shoulders.

The French forward has started all of Arsenal's Premier League and Champions League games this season, scoring seven goals an making nine assists, but fears are rife Giroud is risking injury with such a workload.

Fernando Llorente among others has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, but with Podolski returning and his favoured wide-role now occupied by Santi Cazorla, the former Cologne forward could be employed in a central role this term.

Podolski, who netted 18 goals in his maiden season with The Gunners, played through the middle sporadically last term but Arsenal's weight of midfield resources means he may be forced to adapt to win significant first team appearances this term.

Nicklas Bendtner is the club's only other senior forward available but poor performances when called upon could mean he is offloaded in the New Year, after a move to Crystal Palace broke-down in the twilight of the transfer window.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby are among Arsenal's other long-term injury victims but their return date is unknown.

Wenger is expected to clarify Podolski's condition during his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's weekend trip to champions Manchester United.

After wins over Liverpool and Bourssia Dortmund, the visit to United represents the third daunting fixture in a week for Wenger's men but a first victory at Old Trafford since 2006 would be a significant shot in the arm for their title aspirations.