Arteta has revealed that the full-back is nursing a muscle injury, having missed the last five games in all competitions.

"He's progressing, but I don't know [when he'll return]," he said. "It might be a few weeks, but we don't know exactly when."

The defender was forced off in the second half of the draw with Liverpool. But Arteta has not given too much away about his condition.

When asked about the problem, he simply said: "We don't know yet."

The defender wasn't part of the squad for the FA Cup clash against Portsmouth.

Giving an update Arteta revealed that he is a 'doubt' for the clash against Chelsea.