Nicklas Bendtner has insisted he is firing on all cylinders as he targets a comeback for Arsenal in a fortnight's time.

PA PhotosNicklas Bendtner is closing in on his first appearance of the season

Bendtner has not featured for the Gunners since aggravating a groin complaint when representing Denmark during the World Cup finals in South Africa in the summer.

Arsenal's medical team were initially fearful that the forward would not play again this year, but Bendtner has responded well to treatment and has been training freely for a couple of weeks.

He says he is now pain-free and has set his sights on the Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on October 19 for his return.

"I have never been better," Bendtner said. "I have no pain and have been training very hard physically."