Mikel Arteta claims one Arsenal star is ‘very close’ to injury return in huge boost

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Arsenal star Fabio Vieira has been absent since November with a groin injury, but is now set to return in the coming days.

It recently emerged that Vieira was aiming to be part of the Arsenal squad for next week’s trip to face his former side FC Porto in the Champions League round of 16, and he could even be set to return sooner.

Vieira has not featured since a 3-1 victory over Burnley, in which he was given a straight red card for a dangerous tackle, and following his suspension, he underwent surgery on his groin issue.

Mikel Arteta has now revealed that Vieira could be in line to return to the squad, having already been in training.

Mikel Arteta gives positive Fabio Vieira update

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Burnley, Arteta claimed that Thomas Partey was progressing well, and other absentees could be set to return to the squad, whilst Vieira’s recovery went smoother than expected.

“He’s very close. He’s been training already for a few days with the team,” Arteta stated of Vieira.

“So I think it’s very close. He’ll be back probably faster than we expected and he’s in a good place.

Arteta then dropped a very positive hint when asked if Vieira could feature against Porto on Wednesday.

“There is a chance, yes,” he replied.

Fabio Vieira needs to seize Arsenal opportunity

Vieira has shown flashes of talent in his time at Arsenal, but is yet to put together a consistently strong run of form.

He started this season well, and fought his way into the team after an outstanding substitute appearance against Fulham, and also provided an assist against Manchester United.

However, he could not maintain his form, and his injury came at the wrong time. With Emile Smith Rowe also enjoying more minutes of late, opportunities will be limited for Vieira unless he delivers when called upon.

He has been linked with a move away, and the midfielder may find he faces an uncertain future as Arsenal potentially recruit in his position, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad linked.

If he can feature in either leg against Porto, then he will aim to prove to both his former and current employees that he has a lot to offer his team, and can be a useful asset in the attacking third ahead of the final few months of the season.