Vieira out until December - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted Patrick Vieira is unlikely to return to action before December.

The French international midfielder suffered a thigh injury during the game against Newcastle on September 26, and aggravated it during the Champions League match in Kiev on October 21.

His recovery from that, plus the one-game suspension arising from the away match at Manchester United, may mean he will not be back until the Carling Cup tie with Wolves on December 2.

“Patrick’s injury just needs rest at the moment,” Wenger told the club’s website, www.arsenal.com.

“However I would say that he is not likely to play until December.

“That’s because after November 17 he is suspended for one game. Maybe he could be back for the Wolves game.”