Arsenal received a much-needed boost yesterday with the news that Nicklas Bendtner’s ankle injury may not be as bad as first feared. The Denmark striker had been expected to be out for the rest of the month after suffering an injury in the act of scoring during Arsenal’s win over Cardiff City on New Year’s Day, but is targeting a return in time for the Barclays Premier League match at home to Fulham on Saturday week.

Bendtner’s ankle was examined by Arsenal’s medical department yesterday, the doctors reporting that it had responded quicker than expected to treatment. The 25-year-old has been given the all-clear to resume light training next week and it is hoped that he will be fit enough to be considered for the