Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suffers injury setback as Arsenal look to find cure for midfielder's persistent groin problems

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Arsenal are trying to find a cure for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's persistent groin problems in a bid to prevent surgery.

Arsene Wenger revealed the attacking midfielder has suffered a setback in his bid to return from a hamstring strain that has sidelined him since the FA Cup win over Manchester United on March 9.

However, it is the recurrence of a long-standing groin problem that has caused the delay in Chamberlain's return to action, not the hamstring. 

Arsenal are trying to find a cure for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s persistent groin problems

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been struggling with an ongoing groin problem for several months

The groin injury has been an ongoing problem for the England international for several months, but he, together with the club's medical staff, have managed it throughout the season.

The root cause of the complaint remains unclear, with club doctors trying to establish a permanent cure for the problem.

Arsenal are keen to surgery and are exploring other treatment methods to rid the former Southampton man of his groin discomfort.

However, the option of an operation isn't being ruled out, though any procedure would only take place in the summer. 

Arsene Wenger has revealed the attacking midfielder has suffered a setback in his bid to return to fitness

The 21-year-old should play again this season but the fear is that the problem could recur

Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss at least two more weeks, meaning he will not be available for next weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Reading.

The 21-year-old should play again this season, but the fear is that the problem could recur.

Surgery would mean another busy summer for Oxlade-Chamberlain as he'd be required to complete a rehabilitation programme before pre-season.

He was involved in Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad last year, but didn't feature owing to a knee injury.

Fitness permitting, Oxlade-Chamberlain is also likely to be part of Hodgson's squad for Euro 2016 at the end of next season. 

Arsenal are close to signing 16-year-old Maxi Romero from Velez Sarsfield for £4.5million

'It is taking a bit longer than I thought because he has a groin inflammation,' confirmed Wenger.

'I hope it does not become a long-term problem but he faces a hurdle this week in training.

'We will see if he has recovered, so the end of the week and the start of next week are important to see if he got rid of that inflammation.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's chief negotiator Dick Law has flown to Argentina in an attempt to rubber-stamp the £4.5million capture of 16-year-old forward Maxi Romero from Velez Sarsfield.

The deal has been held up by third-party ownership issues - and Law has travelled to South America to resolve the problem.