Wenger explains Kallstrom injury situation after Arsenal win

Arsene Wenger hopes to have new loan signing Kim Kallstrom available by the end of the month after revealing that the Arsenal midfielder is currently sidelined with a minor back problem.

The 31-year-old Sweden international joined the Gunners from Spartak Moscow on loan until the end of the season on transfer deadline day but is carrying a slight problem, which he picked up before his move to north London.

It’s quite simple. He arrived here and fell on his back two days before

Arsene Wenger

And Wenger lifted the lid on the midfielder’s fitness issues following Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“We have to establish the real truth about this story,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“It’s quite simple. He arrived here and fell on his back two days before.

“First of all, it’s very difficult to identify a player of that stature who can come in on a free loan. And then [he underwent] a medical of his back and we found out that he had a little micro-fracture. We have all played with micro-fractures.

“Then Spartak accepted to share the costs – as long as he’s injured then they pay. And I had a decision to make – I would take nobody or Kallstrom, because it was at Friday afternoon at 1700.”

Asked about a date for his return to action, Wenger added: “I think the earliest the end of February, the latest mid-March.”