Arsenal ‘s mounting injury problems could force Arsene Wenger to may re-sign French midfielder Emmanuel Petit, the Arsenal coach has revealed.

Petit was a member of the league and FA Cup double-wining team at Highbury in 1997-98, before leaving the club in 2000 to join Barcelona. He was released by Chelsea at the end of last season after a series of knee operations. The French World Cup winner is currently rehabilitating after knee surgery and training with Arsenal while looking for a new club.

“It has crossed my mind to help Emmanuel. He is here to get back to full fitness and find a club. It isn’t in my mind at the moment to sign him but maybe he could help us for a few months,” Wenger told the London Evening Standard on Friday.

“I haven’t ruled it out.”

Arsenal have suffered a loss of form since losing to Manchester United on October 24 and have also lost Brazilian midfielders Edu and Gilberto to injury.

Meanwhile, captain Vieira is suspended for the forthcoming games, against league leaders on December 12 and Tuesday’s final group match against Rosenborg in the Champions League.