Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky hopes to be back in action during the opening weeks of the new campaign after almost 18 months out with injury. The Czech star last played against Newcastle in the FA Cup in January 2008. Since then a combination of injuries in his hamstring and knee tendons, which proved difficult to isolate and treat with surgery, have restricted Rosicky’s rehabilitation. The 28-year-old resumed light training in May and has now rejoined the rest of the Arsenal first-team group as they prepare for the new season. Speaking to the Czech newspaper Sport, Rosicky said: “Until I play in a league match I will not be able to tell what my chances are, but when it comes to fitness alone I am in better shape than when I came to Arsenal.”