'We've got a problem' - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta delivers worrying Fabio Vieira injury update as operation and recovery timeline confirmed

Vieira missed training ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Lens on Wednesday, with Arteta subsequently confirming the 23-year-old is now facing weeks on the sidelines. The midfielder missed Arsenal's Premier League clash with Brentford at the weekend due to suspension but had been expected to return against Lens. However, the Arsenal boss has confirmed Vieira has been forced to go under the knife after picking up a groin injury.

Vieira's injury is a fresh blow to the youngster, following his sending off against Burnley which resulted in a three-match ban. The midfielder has made 13 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Arsenal but is now unlikely to play again this year. Vieira joins Jurrien Timber, Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey on Arsenal's injured list.

"We've got a problem with him. He's been having some discomfort," he told reporters. "He wasn't improving and we sent him to a specialist, the advice was to have an operation which we did yesterday. We expect him to be out for weeks now."

Vieira will now aim to recover as quickly as possible in a bid to return to fitness and gain more minutes at Arsenal. The midfielder has struggled to nail down a regular place in Arteta's side since his move from Porto in 2022. There has been speculation that Vieira could move out on loan in January, in a bid to play regular. football, although it's not clear yet if Arsenal would be willing to sanction a winter exit.