Bendtner to undergo groin surgery

Bendtner signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal in September

Arsenal have confirmed that Nicklas Bendtner will undergo minor groin surgery on Tuesday and is set be out of action for up to four weeks.

The 21-year-old suffered the injury in the 3-0 win over Tottenham at the Emirates on 31 October.

The operation in Germany does not alter the initial prediction of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as to how long the striker will be sidelined.

The Dane has scored three goals for the Gunners this season in 13 appearances.

His last goal was the winner in the Carling Cup tie against Liverpool on 28 October, which sent Arsenal into the quarter-finals of the competition.

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The Denmark international had only recently returned from an initial groin injury for the north London derby, but was forced to withdraw after 37 minutes, to be replaced by Eduardo.

With Bendtner having operated largely on the right side of the Arsenal attack this season, Wenger will be keen to get Theo Walcott back to fitness following a knee injury.

Ahead of the Gunners' 4-1 win at Wolves last Saturday, the Frenchman confirmed that the England winger is expected to return to training this month.