Surgery woe for Rosicky

But Rosicky, 34, now looks set to miss at least another four weeks after undergoing a procedure on his knee.

Rosicky’s agent Pavel Paska has publicly confirmed his client “underwent an arthroscopic surgery on his knee on the 4th of August”.

Although his fitness record seems to have improved in recent seasons, the abundance of creative midfielders in Arsenal’s ranks meant that he has largely been restricted to a part-time role at the club, as he made just 15 league appearances last season.

The 34-year-old, who agreed a contract extension at the end of last season, has been struggling with the problem since June following worldwide duty with the Czech Republic.

Czech football federation head Miroslav Pelta said Wednesday that “we have information from Arsenal that everything is getting better but time is against us”.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had said in July that Rosicky picked up “a minor injury” while playing for his country against Iceland.

Arsenal are away to Crystal Palace on Sunday and will bid to bounce back from their opening 2-0 home defeat by West Ham United in the English Premier League.