Djourou set for Barcelona clash

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou on course to return for Champions League match against Barcelona

There were initial fears that Djourou could be out for a month following his injury against Newcastle, but the expectation is that he will return to training within days.

With Alex Song also back in training, Djourou is unlikely to be risked against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday but should partner Laurent Koscielny at centre-back in the first leg against Barcelona next week.

The loss of Djourou would have left Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci as the only fit senior central defenders, although Song can cover in that position if necessary.

“Djourou's knee injury is clearly not as bad as first feared,” said Cuno Wetzel, the Switzerland doctor. “The player suffered very painful bruising on the knee but, if the healing process runs as it should, he could probably begin training in less than one week.”