Other players must also wait for their return with defender Sead Kolasinac predicted to be out until the end of March with a shoulder injury.

Portugal Cedric Soares is nearing his debut for the club after signing on-loan from Southampton but the 28-year-old Euro 2016 winning full-back must wait another week before being available for full training.

There was more optimistic news regarding Scotland full-back Kieran Tierney whose first season with the Gunners has been ruined by injury.

The 22-year-old former Celtic defender has returned to full training after dislocating his shoulder in December.