Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says midfielder Jack Wilshere is "very down" after suffering a new injury.
The Englishman is expected to be out of action for at least three months after suffering an ankle injury during the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.
"He's very down," said Wenger.
"Jack is a football man who loves the game. But on the other hand, he's a very strong character as well and he has learnt to deal with adversity at a very young age.
"He always came out stronger and when I spoke with him, the final sprint of the season is already in his mind and [he wants] to come back stronger. He's a very strong boy.
"I haven't spoken to him before the surgery but I did before. We knew on Wednesday night that he would have surgery certainly on Thursday. He's prepared and focused to come back and finish the season well.
"I think he will be back at the end of February, beginning of March and he will focus on coming back to rehab, having a strong rehab, and then I'm sure he will help us to do well until the end of the season.
"Our first quality in our job is health. If he has no problem with his joints, he will make a massive career.
"I was more worried one year ago than I am today because he had two or three surgeries on his right ankle. At some stage, you could raise that question but today I am much more confident that he will [fulfill his potential]."
Asked if striker Lukas Podolski will leave during the January transfer window, the Frenchman said: "I have had no enquiries from anybody [for Lukas Podolski].
"He faces big competition. He has an outstanding attitude and he works very hard."
