Manchester City v Arsenal: Lukas Podolski available - but manager Arsene Wenger won't risk him at the Etihad

Wenger says he will be back for Chelsea on 23 December

Lukas Podolski has been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsene Wenger claims that Lukas Podolski has recovered from his hamstring injury and is available for selection – but the Arsenal manager feels Saturday's clash at Manchester City has come too soon for the forward.

The German international is now expected back for the home match against Chelsea nine days later on 23 December.

"He is available," Wenger said on Friday. "I feel he is still a bit short to go into a match of that level of intensity, but after this weekend I will consider him just be available."

The 28-year-old tore his hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League play-off victory over Fenerbahce back in August.