Arsenal have been boosted by the news that centre-back Johan Djourou could be back in training inside a week.
The Swiss international limped out of the Gunners fixture with Newcastle after 48 minutes having helped his team to a 4-0 half-time advantage with his first goal of the season. However, in his absence, and having been reduced to ten men, the north London outfit collapsed under prolonged Magpie pressure and ended up drawing the game.
Having spent 9 months sidelined with a knee injury last season, the worst had been feared for Djourou with initial reports claiming the 24-year-old could be out for anything between three weeks and four months.
Nevertheless a statement from the Swiss FA confirms that the player received only bruising to his knee and could be back for Arsenal inside seven days. Diagnosis of the problem is thought to have initially been delayed by swelling and bruising which has since subsided.
Sebastian Squillaci, who replaced Djourou on Saturday, is expected to play alongside Laurent Koscielny against Wolves this weekend before Arsene Wenger decides whether to risk Djourou against Barcelona in the Champions League first knock-out round on Wednesday.