The 21-year-old Danish striker was driving along the A1 towards South Mimms when his car left the road and collided with the hard shoulder fence and a tree.

It is understood that no other vehicle was involved in the incident.

A Hertfordshire Police spokesman said: "We were called at 10.15am to a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision.

"A black Aston Martin vehicle had left the road. The driver was not seriously injured."

The East of England Ambulance Service said he had had a "very lucky escape", suffering a pain in his shoulder and grazes on one of his knees.

A spokesman said: "When the ambulance crews arrived at the scene they found a car which was badly damaged after it collided with the hard shoulder fence and a tree.

"A man who we believe to be 21 years old received minor injuries. Following a checkover by paramedics, he did not require to go to hospital."

Bendtner was believed to be on his way to Arsenal's training ground in Hertfordshire.

It is thought two members of training staff from the football club collected the player from the scene and took him to the ground, where he was checked over by a club medic.

The accident left him unable to train and he will be forced to miss tomorrow's Champions League game against Olympiacos.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "Nicklas did not practise because he had a car accident yesterday.

"Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train.

"He should be back for Sunday's game (against Blackburn)."