Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not believe Kieran Gibbs will be ready to solve England's problems at left-back, but the defender could return from injury before the summer.

The 20-year-old was ruled out for the season after having an operation to solve a foot problem sustained in November, but he is recovering well and could play again in the current campaign.

There was speculation that Gibbs had caught the eye of England boss Fabio Capello prior to his injury and if he regained fitness he could be a contender to fill the current void left by Ashley Cole's broken ankle and Wayne Bridge's unavailability.

But despite being optimistic regarding the England Under 21 international's fitness, Wenger has all but ruled out any prospect of an appearance at the World Cup.

"There is a chance he will be back (before the end of the season), if all goes well," said the Arsenal chief.

"But I can't give you any date for his return to football and it's very premature at the moment.

"He is still in a little cast and we are near the beginning of March."

Wenger does see Gibbs, who has impressed on U21 duty, as a great prospect for the future and reckons he will soon make the national team's senior squad.

"I think he will one day play for the national team. I am convinced of that," he added.