Arsenal midfielder and Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky could be out until December, according to the Evening Standard.

James Olley, who reports on the club for the newspaper, has said on Thursday that the midfielder’s injury is worse than first feared.

On Wednesday Rosicky’s agent revealed the midfielder had undergone surgery on his knee at the beginning of August, hence his lack of involvement in pre-season. His representative said the surgery was set to keep him out for 1-2 months but Arsène Wenger contradicted him on Thursday.

“Tomas has had surgery on his knee,” the Arsenal manager confirmed when speaking to Arsenal.com. “His agent said he will be out for one or two months, but it will be longer. How long exactly, we don’t know yet.”

Standard Sport have said it was hoped that surgery wouldn’t be required, but has been needed on an injury that was suffered while on international duty back in June.

Rosicky was unlikely to play a large role this season but Wenger may now look for a midfielder, as Jack Wilshere is also injured and 11 players have been allowed to leave on loan. If not we can only assume that a young player like Gedion Zelalem or Jeff Reine-Adelaide could be required at some point and would be trusted with a minor role in the first-team.