Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta will be out for around three months after undergoing ankle surgery, the club have announced.
Arteta has not played for the Gunners since November 26, when he suffered a problem with his calf during a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
The 32-year-old was expected to be out for around a month but a subsequent problem with his ankle means rehabilitation will take "approximately three months".
"Mikel has had surgery which went well. I have just seen him, he is back with us at the training ground," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the official club website.
"He had a limited mobility in his ankle and some persistent inflammation that had an impact on his calf.
"That meant we had to make the decision to have surgery and it's a proper solution which gives him the best chance to recover."
Source: PA
