Struggling Tomas Rosicky might never play at Arsenal again

Doctors have been baffled by the mysterious injury as the 28-year-old Czech international has since undergone two knee operations in May and November last year.

But Standard Sport understands there is a feeling in certain quarters of the club that Rosicky may never play for Arsenal again, especially given the explosive start fellow winger Andrey Arshavin has made in north London.

Arshavin joined the Gunners in January for £15million while Samir Nasri signed last summer for a similar figure and both have adapted well in wide areas where Rosicky previously played.

The Russian scored all four goals in Tuesday's 4-4 draw against Liverpool and has shown considerable potential despite missing out on pre-season training with former club Zenit St Petersburg while his protracted transfer was completed.

Nasri exploded onto the scene and became an immediate cult hero when he scored both goals as Arsenal beat Manchester United in November and it is debatable if a fit Rosicky would get into the team at present in any case.

Both players are expected to improve once they have fully adapted to English football and manager Arsene Wenger also has Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela who can be deployed as wingers, giving him plenty of options in that area.

Arsenal's excellent financial management off the pitch means Wenger is under no pressure to sell but any money received in player sales is likely to be allocated to boosting his clout in the transfer market this summer.

Wenger has consistently underestimated the length of Rosicky's injury and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman has finally lost patience with the winger who has played just 44 times since signing for around £6m from Borussia Dortmund in May 2006.

Several media outlets in Prague have recently speculated that Rosicky's career could be over, although the Gunners insist that he will make a complete recovery.

The Dnes daily newspaper recently wrote: "Let's hope the career of 'little Mozart' doesn't resemble that of the composer - spectacular but short."

Meanwhile, Arsenal's push for honours was dealt a significant blow with the news that Van Persie and Gael Clichy will miss next week's Champions League semi-final, first leg against Manchester United.

Arshavin is ineligible for the trip to Old Trafford having already played in the competition with former club Zenit St Petersburg this season.

Coupled with Van Persie's groin injury, it means Nasri and Walcott are virtually certain starters against Sir Alex Ferguson's side on Wednesday, barring an injury-free weekend.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is back in training along with Johan Djourou and Wenger said: "Both could come back into the squad. It is not enough training to say that yet, we need 48 hours more. Emmanuel Adebayor should come back into training tomorrow after a slight hamstring problem. He could be in the squad."