Arteta does not rule out that the offensive midfielder – one of the best in his position in Premier League – can become relevant for the squad for next week's meeting with Inter in Champions League.
On the other hand, the team captain is not included against Alexander Isak's and Emil Kraft's Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
Now it's at a stage where he should test certain things. Let's see how he handles pain and if his movements are sufficiently natural.
He is physically at the level required to play. With the work and hours he has put in, I would be surprised if he doesn't look ready when he starts training with us, says Arteta.
The Norwegian injured himself when he played for the national team against Austria in Nations League on September 9. His creativity and leadership have been noticeably missed in an Arsenal that is already five points behind leading Manchester City.