Freddie could be back next week

Ljungberg underwent an operation on a hip injury in July and was not expected to play for several more weeks.

But he has recovered faster than anticipated and is eyeing the game at the Valley for a comeback.

"I return to full training with the Arsenal squad on Monday and if my body feels right, and there's no pain, I could be back within a week," he told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"I'm raring to go. My first game of the season can't come quickly enough.

"I'm ahead of my projected return time after the operation, so the crucial thing is to test myself to make sure that I have full confidence in giving 100% in the tackle."