Johan Djourou injury not as serious as Arsenal feared

The Swiss defender could be back in action at the end of the month after he dislocated his shoulder during Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester United.

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Johan Djourou, the Arsenal defender, may able to play again this season, according to the Swiss Football Association.

The centre-half looked like he would miss the rest of the campaign after dislocating his shoulder during Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester United.

However, those initial fears of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger look to have been eased after extensive tests, and the 24-year-old could be back in action by the end of the month.

A statement from the Swiss FA on their website, read: "The shoulder injury to Johan Djourou is less serious than feared on Saturday and announced by the coach of his club."

Switzerland hope Djourou may even be available for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria on March 26.

The statement continued: "The Arsenal defender and member of the Switzerland national team was submitted to thorough medical examinations on Monday.

"At the end of a long exhausting day, Johan Djourou had new hope that his season is not over yet."

Djourou, who missed nearly all of the 2009/10 season with a serious knee injury, has not suffered any fractures, while ligament damage is suggested "not to be in a serious condition".

With Thomas Vermaelen yet to feature since the end of August because of a niggling Achilles injury, the early return of Djourou would be a boost to the Gunners as they look to salvage their season by delivering the Premier League title.