Arsenal MF Rosicky likely out for season

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the season and is struggling to be fit for this summer's European Championships, according to the Czech national team's doctor.


The 27-year-old picked up a knee injury in the Gunners' FA Cup victory over Newcastle in January and has not played since.


Doctor Petr Krejci told Czech newspaper Sport: "It is possible that the problem could fade away in two weeks, but it could also last for another three months.


"Since he has already been out for two months, we are in a tricky situation.


"(Manager) Karel (Bruckner) is also very worried about it. Tomas is a big player for us and he would be a big loss.


"He can run and jog now but when he does it for a prolonged period of time it begins to hurt him.


"He would be afraid of sprinting at the moment and as such he is yet to resume full training. We are not prepared to risk him ahead of Euro 2008.


"He is already resigned to missing the rest of the (Barclays) Premier League season, so his priority now is the European Championships."


Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger raised the possibility Rosicky's injury could be long term last month.


"It is impossible to say when he will return," the Frenchman said. "It is a frustration for me and him as well. He's a very genuine guy who wants to play.


"Tomas has an absolutely genuine attitude and is 100% committed, but he's just not ready. I want him to be happy and play as quickly as possible and if it is for Arsenal it is even better. If it is for the Czechs, okay."


Wenger confirmed on Monday night the likelihood of Rosicky missing the rest of the season was high.


"We have to consider that, unfortunately, it is a possibility at the moment, but it's not a certainty," said the Arsenal boss at tonight's pre-match Champions League press conference at Anfield.


"Surprisingly, today is the first day where he could run at a little bit higher pace than usual without any pain.


"We will have to see his evolution.


"It has been nine weeks now with no significant evolution in his injury."