Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira will be out until next year after undergoing surgery on a groin injury

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Fabio Vieira is facing an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing a groin operation on Monday. 

The Portuguese attacking midfielder has featured 13 times, scoring once and assisting four more in all competitions this season, but has not featured for two weeks. 

Vieira was in action with the Under-21s on November 14, playing all 90 minutes of his side's 5-2 defeat to Reading in the EFL Trophy, although Arteta has suggested that he will now be out until 2024.  

'Yeah we’ve got a problem with him,' the Arsenal boss revealed on Tuesday ahead of his side's home Champions League clash with Lens on Wednesday.

'He’s been having some discomfort. We sent him to see a specialist and the advice was to have an operation in his groin. 

'He did that yesterday. We don’t expect him back this side of the winter break.'

Vieira featured sparingly in his first season at the Emirates last term, but had become more of a regular presence in the side in the new campaign after three assists in his first two outings. 

Yet after back-to-back starts against Tottenham and Manchester United in September he was again relegated to the bench in the Premier League and in continental competition.  

With captain Martin Odegaard in his favoured position in central attacking midfield places in the starting line-up have been hard to come by. 

Yet with the Gunners approaching the hectic festive period his absence will likely be a miss as the club look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Meanwhile there was a boost with regards to the fitness of Ben White, who has been out with a minor injury. 

The English versatile defender was on the bench against Brentford at the weekend, coming on for the final seconds of the 1-0 win over their London rivals. 

'He trained the day before the Brentford game and was feeling good I think he’ll be available for this game,' added Arteta when asked of the 26-year-old's availability. 'That’s very good news for us.'

The former club captain also fielded questions on Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey, who have both been on the treatment table, but offered an optimistic outlook on their potential return dates.

'It is a possibility. Emile has already been on the pitch doing some jogging. He’s a quick healer,' he said. 

'Thomas the same. We need them to be back at their best. 

'We’ve been very unlucky with some of the injuries. We’re not the only club with injuries. Where it happens is a bit critical. The team needs to adapt.'