Source: Daily_Mail
Injured striker Bendtner targets Bolton match to make Arsenal return
Injured striker Nicklas Bendtner hopes to make his long-awaitedreturn to first-team action when Arsenal travel to Bolton in the Barclays Premier League on January 17.The Denmark international has been out of action for over twomonths, after picking up a recurrence of a groin injury during the Gunners3-0 win over north-London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates in October. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had hoped to have Bendtner available foraction at the start of the new year, but the hitman's return has beenblighted by a number of problems. First-team return: Bendtner hopes to be fit for Arsenal's visit to Bolton later this month Bendtner turns 22 the day before the Gunners travel to the ReebokStadium and the Dane says his comeback will be the 'best present' hecould receive. 'I've felt a lot of improvement and I was able to sprint for thefirst time on Sunday,' the Arsenal striker said. 'I was a bit quickerthan I expected. 'I will start training with the ball on Tuesday and then finally I can see an end to this nightmare. Out for the season: Arsenal and Holland striker Robin van Persie 'I hope to play at Bolton on January 17. That is the day after my birthday so it would be the best present I could give myself.'Bendnter's return would ease Arsenal's attacking crisis, after Robinvan Persie was ruled out for the season with ankle ligament damagesustained in Holland's friendly against Italy in November.Bedntner added: 'I've been out for so long. It's been unbearable to be outside forseveral months because I felt that my club needed me during that time.' Cesc Fabregas forced to put Arsenal comeback on hold as midfielder struggles with hamstring injuryMerida will join Atletico Madrid after failing to nail down spot with Arsenal ARSENAL FC