Talismanic Togolese target-man Emmanuel Adebayor had to be substituted during the north London derby due to a hamstring injury and later tests revealed the striker would be out for around three weeks.

There are claims that Adebayor has not come close to repeating his 30-goal season of last term, however, the 24-year-old has already struck 12 times (eight in the Premier League), in addition to playing provider eight times. This means that he has had a hand in 20 Arsenal goals this season from 24 appearances.

During a time when Arsenal are struggling to find the net his absence could be crucial, however, Nicklas Bendtner is hoping to prove a capable understudy.

"Of course, chances for me have improved with someone else out injured," the Dane explained to BT.

"But I still hope that he will be back soon, as we need him in the team. I still feel that, when I play my best, I should start, regardless of who is fit or who is injured.

"I have the same attitude every time, and each game I try to prove that I should start.

Nicklas Bendtner is expected to be asked to spearhead Arsenal's attack for the FA Cup fourth round replay against Cardiff City at the Emirates Stadium next Monday evening.