Bendtner set for swift return

Nicklas Bendtner’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared and the Arsenal striker could yet feature in Denmark’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Norway this weekend.

The 23-year-old hobbled out of yesterday’s training session in Helsingor and needed an ice pack on his ankle before being taken back to the team hotel.

However, it is understood that Bendtner suffered a mild sprain and could yet feature for Morten Olsen’s side against their Scandinavian rivals on Saturday.

Arsenal physio Colin Lewin has been in regular contact with the Danish medical team on the severity and extent of the injury, which is not thought to be as serious as first feared.

Along with Bendtner, Nicklas Pedersen and Simon Kjaer also suffered knocks yesterday, with Denmark team doctor Soren Kaalund admitting a detailed prognosis for the trio was not yet available.

But it seems Bendtner’s injury is minor, which will be a boost to the Gunners who already have England forward Theo Walcott out with his own ankle problem.

Arsenal are still in contention for the Barclays Premier League title and return to action after the international break against Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium.