Mikel Arteta now told expected return date for injured £45k-a-week Arsenal star

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Arsenal have had something of an injury crisis, but they are beginning to welcome players back and will hope more follow in the coming weeks.

Emile Smith Rowe made his return after a month-long layoff against PSV Eindhoven last night, but whilst Mohamed Elneny made his first start in nearly a year, he was then withdrawn with a suspected hamstring injury in the second half.

Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are all still absent, whilst Fabio Vieira is also missing, having had surgery on a knee issue.

Vieira has not played since he received a red card against Burnley on November 11, but his expected return date has now been revealed.

Fabio Vieira Arsenal return date revealed

A report from The Standard has now revealed that following his surgery on a knee injury, Vieira is not expected to return until after the winter break, which will see Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates on January 20th.

This means that he will miss Premier League games against Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham, as well as Arsenal’s FA Cup Third Round tie against Liverpool.

Vieira has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and assisting four times.

Is Fabio Vieira running out of time at Arsenal?

His red card and injury did him no favours, as Arsenal had to navigate an easier set of fixtures against RC Lens, Wolves and Luton Town, games which Vieira would have hoped to feature in or even start.

Vieira started the season well, with an excellent substitute appearance against Fulham earning him a start in the North London Derby, but his inconsistent form, as well as his sporadic appearances, are reducing his chances of success.

He could not capitalise on Smith Rowe’s injury, Kai Havertz’s poor form or Martin Odegaard’s absence, and with all three players now back and improving, Vieira’s chances of regular first-team action when he returns looks slim.

The £45k-a-week midfielder is clearly talented, but is quite raw, having only been a regular at Porto for less than a full season prior to his move to Arsenal last year.

Vieira has the potential to become a key player for Arsenal, with his final ball a standout feature as shown with his assist to Eddie Nketiah against Fulham. However, until he develops his game both on and off the ball, he will struggle to usurp the likes of Havertz and Odegaard from the starting XI.