Mikel Arteta Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Ankle and Return

Mikel Arteta's injury disrupted season continues after he limped from a calf problem to a long-term ankle setback. The Spaniard is facing a long spell on the sidelines.

Continue for updates. 

---

Arteta Out for Minimum 6 Weeks

Friday, Jan. 16

Arsene Wenger has offered hope that Arteta may return sooner than expected, per ESPN's Kevin Palmer, commenting ahead of Arsenal's trip to Manchester City :

Arsenal had previously revealed on their official website that their skipper will be missing for the next three months after surgery on his troubled ankle:

"

Mikel Arteta has undergone surgery to his left ankle to remove a bony spur, which has been causing the captain significant inflammation and discomfort over recent months.

The procedure went well and Mikel will now begin a period of rehabilitation which is expected to last approximately three months.

"

---

Arteta Sidelined After Dortmund Clash

Wednesday, Nov. 26

At this point, it would be downright odd if an Arsenal match wasn't accompanied by a new injury report for one of the club's players.    

This time it was Mikel Arteta who had to leave Wednesday's clash against Borussia Dortmund, per Fox Soccer Trax:

Squawka Football provides comments from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who spoke about the injury:

Arteta acts as the anchor in Arsenal's midfield, a midfield already missing Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil to injury. While Arsenal also has Mathieu Flamini to play in a deeper role, Arteta offers more of a technical presence in the midfield and is less erratic than his counterpart.

For a team already suffering through injury after injury this season, the loss of Arteta is yet another blow it really can't afford to suffer.