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Arsenal Boost As Midfielder Hopes To Be Back Within Two Weeks

By on April 27, 2015

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta has confirmed he’ll be back in contention for a first team return in “another week or two”.

Arteta has been on the sidelines for over five months after initially suffering a calf injury during our 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in November.

The Spaniards return was delayed by an ankle injury but he’s been playing for the Under-21’s in recent weeks as he looks to build up his match fitness.

Mikel gave an update on his situation to the Arsenal matchday programme on Sunday and confirmed that he hopes to make himself available to Arsene Wenger again after another one or two training.

Arteta also admitted that it’s been a frustrating few months but he hopes to end it on a high by lifting a trophy:

“I haven’t trained enough with the team yet to come back into the side,”

“We need to manage the workload on the ankle. I played for the under-21s against Stoke recently, and I’ve been feeling OK, but I’m not in a position yet where I can feel perfect and just go out there forgetting about my ankle.”

“I need to train more with the team, get my confidence and build it up. My aim now is to train with the team for another week or two and then be able to say to the boss ‘OK, I’m ready now if you want to pick me.’

“It’s been a frustrating time for me, but I would love to be able to finish the season by lifting a trophy of course.”

I think it’s safe to say that during his absence, Francis Coquelin has made the holding role his own and Arteta wouldn’t be a first team regular even if fit.

His contract is due to expire in June and while there has been talk of a one-year extension, I wouldn’t be surprised if stayed on at the club as a bit-part player with the aim of going into coaching once he has his badges.

Mikel has been a great pro so hopefully he can get himself fit and make another appearance for the first team before the end of the season.