Wenger devastated by Rosicky´s latest injury setback

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is devastated after discovering that Czech Republic winger Tomas Rosicky is set to be sidelined for a month with a groin injury.

Rosicky has suffered an injury-ravaged last 18 months and had only just returned to action following a series of hamstring and knee problems.

Wenger has been keen to use Rosicky cautiously but the 29-year-old was forced off at half-time of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Stoke at the Emirates Stadium and could be out until the New Year.

“He’s devastated and I am as well,” Wenger said. “Before the (Stoke) match I told myself ‘he has played the whole game on Wednesday, should I take the gamble or not as it was such an important game?’. But by half-time he was struggling.”

Wenger also had to do without Croatia striker Eduardo for 18 months after he broke his leg in a horrific tackle by Birmingham’s Martin Taylor in 2008.

Eduardo is still struggling to recapture his form and fitness following the injury and Wenger believes Rosicky is having the same problem.

“It’s a vicious circle when you have been out for a long time. Eduardo had not played for 18 months, Tomas has not played for 18 months,” Wenger said.

“When you come back, one or two games, your body has to get used to producing the energy levels again and it’s difficult. Nobody masters that.

“The first impression for me is that it won’t be longer than a month but it’s a groin problem so we have to see the scan in 48 hours which grade it is – grade one is 10 days but grade 3 is three.”

Arsenal are eight points off the top of the table and Wenger admits the Gunners’ injuries have given their rivals the edge in this season’s title race.

“We pick up more injuries than the other big teams, that is true,” Wenger said.

“You cannot say there is not a reason for it but we have not found it yet.

“It’s the worst season for injuries for us. And they are all in the same area – in the offensive side. Last year it was in the defensive side.”