Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fears that Denmark international striker Nicklas Bendtner faces a longer than anticipated spell out of action.

The 21-year-old was expected to return to first-team action before the festive period after being forced to endure groin surgery last month.

He suffered the injury in the 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on 31 October.

However, when asked when Bendtner would return to action, Wenger would only say: "Let's say the new year. It is quite disappointing because he looked quite sharp."

The Gunners were forced to play Andrey Arshavin as a lone striker in Saturday's 2-0 win against Stoke City because of their injury problems in attack.

Emmanuel Adebayor was sold to Manchester City in the summer while Robin van Persie is a long-term absentee with an ankle injury.

Eduardo also missed the Potters game through injury, prompting Wenger to suggest he may sign a new striker next month.