Arsenal's Lukas Podolski ruled out until December

The German National team doctor has confirmed that Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski is expected to be out of first team action until December.

The 28-year-old forward was initially expected to be out for 8-10 weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Arsenal's' 2-0 second leg win over Fenerbahce in the Champions League qualifiers at the Emirates Stadium last week.

However, Germany's team doctor has expressed that the Gunner striker's injury is far worse than initially predicted , and a three-month layoff is a compulsory requirement for the player to return to full fitness, according to Sky Sports.

This could be bad news for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as he is set to have a shortage in striking options, unless he opts to give Nicklas Bendtner some playing time.