Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be optimistic that injury-hit striker Danny Welbeck will play again this season.
The Frenchman is confident that the forward will be back in action by Christmas, despite England boss Roy Hodgson ruling him out for six months, reports The Telegraph.
Welbeck underwent an operation to his articular cartilage after failing to shrug off a recurring injury problem.
In other Arsenal injury news, centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are back in training and expected to be available to face Stoke City this weekend.
Jack Wilshere, meanwhile, is said to be on course to resume training next week following treatment for a hairline fracture to his left fibula.
