Nicklas Bendtner has missed 18 games for Arsenal this season after hobbling off the pitch on October 31st against Tottenham Hotspur. But he is now on his way back to full fitness following a groin injury, and is expected to start against FC Porto in the Champions League tonight.

During his injury period, Arsene Wenger has been defending Bendtner, insisting that the Dane was the right person to fill in for Robin van Persie, who is out with a long-term ankle injury. Now that he is back, Wenger wants Bendtner to show him what he can do.

"He can prove me right!" declared Wenger to Arsenal.com.

"I believe he is a boy who has a big potential. He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today."

"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker. We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back."

Wenger has also compared Bendtner's current status to Thierry Henry's when he arrived at the club in 1999. Although Bendtner has a very long way to go to emulate Henry, time is on his side according to Wenger.

"I would remind you that Thierry Henry arrived at Arsenal at 23 years old and he made a massive career. So Nicklas is still young," said Wenger.

"But I think we will see the best of him now. He was born in 1988 so he is getting to the best age for a striker now. Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but at 22, you have to start to play at the top level."