Arsenal have announced midfielder Samir Nasri is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery but striker Robin van Persie is expected to be on the sidelines for one month.

In a statement published on the club’s official website, it was confirmed what was reported last week on the Frenchman who will resume training this week and should be fit to face Braga in the first game of Group H of this season’s Champions League. Nasri underwent minor knee surgery in August and with injury problems increasing for Arsenal, having him back is of crucial importance.

In the offensive department, Dutchman Robin van Persie will have to wait until mid-October to make his comeback from the ankle injury which he suffered against Blackburn Rovers on August 28 and also suffering from an ankle problem is Theo Walcott who was stretchered off in England’s game against Switzerland last night.

The 21-year old was involved in Wayne Rooney’s goal in the first half but appeared to turn his ankle under the boot of a defender moments before England took the lead. The youngster was immediately taken to hospital as a precautionary measure with manager Fabio Capello saying how it is only a little problem which should keep the striker out for 2 to 3 weeks.

Manager Arsene Wenger will provide a full update on the fitness level of his players on Thursday with Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Vela facing long trips back from Argentina and Mexico respectively.