Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have a huge week ahead of them with the Champions League back (Picture: Arsenal FC)
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira is in contention to make a surprise comeback next week.
The 23-year-old made an eye-catching start to the new season and looked set to force his way into his manager’s starting line-up.
A red card against Burnley in November, however, was swiftly followed by a groin injury that required surgery.
The former Porto star is closing in on making his return, however, and could even feature against his old side in Tuesday’s last 16 first leg tie.
‘He’s very close,’ said Arteta. ‘He’s been training already for a few days with the team.
‘So I think it’s very close. He’ll be back probably faster than we expected and he’s in a good place.
There is a chance, yes (he could play against Porto).’
Fabio Viera is close to making his Arsenal return (Picture: Getty)
Arteta, meanwhile, says Arsenal are heading into the most important part of the season ahead of their Premier League clash with Burnley.
The title-chasing Gunners currently sit third, two points behind leaders Liverpool, after extending their impressive run to four straight league wins following a dominant 6-0 victory at West Ham.
Arteta highlighted the importance of claiming three points at Turf Moor and to keep up their consistent form during the final 14 league matches.
‘It’s the most important part of the season and every fixture will play a significant role in what we want to achieve,’ Arteta said.
‘Burnley at the moment are a team which are extremely difficult to beat if you look at the results and how teams have drawn or beaten them by small margins.
‘They are extremely well coached and are a team that are very competitive, so we know that we have a very tough match on Saturday and we need to play with the same energy and enthusiasm.
‘We want to be there (title race) and it means we have done a lot right during the season.
‘We have shown a big level of consistency in the team, we want to take a step forward and maintain the consistency.’
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