http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/empics/20120827/19/2918126070-soccer-barclays-premier-league-stoke-city-v-arsenal-britannia-stadium.jpgMikel Arteta is on his way back.

Ever since completing the pulsating 2-2 draw at Swansea in the FA Cup third round, the 30-year-old has gone missing in action through a calf-strain.

Arteta has been an integral part of Arsenal’s midfield, playing in nearly every game this season prior to his injury lay-off which was estimated to last for about three weeks according to Arsene Wenger.

Following the 3-2 victory over Brighton which kept the Gunners’ FA Cup dreams alive, there was more good news to cheer about as Mikel Arteta was confirmed to resume training next week.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, Wenger had revealed that Arteta was “only days away” from a return, hinting of a place in the squad for Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool even though that game may come too soon for the recovering midfielder.

Next weekend’s meeting with Stoke City however, is likely to feature a fit-again Arteta and Arsene Wenger, who is a keen  believer in his current options in midfield, claims he not eying any signing in that department at the moment as the January transfer window approaches its deadline.

“I cannot tell you that (I will sign a midfielder). In this kind of job it is realism that is important. Realistically I cannot tell you I will sign anyone tomorrow, or Tuesday, as we are not close to doing it.” the Arsenal boss said

But Arteta is not the only source for concern in that midfield area for the Gunners. Indeed, Santi Cazorla who was rested at Brighton and Jack Wilshere are also nursing slight fitness problems too, forcing some squad rotation from Wenger.

Be the first to receive breaking news about Arsenal!

“Yes because that’s a gamble you take. You know it (rotation) can backfire. I left a few out, for example Cazorla, but it was for medical reasons. He couldn’t play and it was very risky to play him. Jack [was left on the bench] a little bit to protect his ankle” Wenger added.