Mikel Arteta has missed the majority of this season and in some games, his calming influence has been sorely missed.

Still recovering from injury, it’s not clear when he’ll be back in the side and given the fact that he has dropped out of the manager’s injury updates completely, it doesn’t look like it will be any time soon.

Rumoured to have signed a one-year extension to his current contract, he will no doubt be looking forward to a better season next season although quite how he forces his way back into the side on a regular basis is anyone’s guess.

Speaking to the matchday programme ahead of the final league game of the season, Arteta has liked what he’s seen this season.

“When I look back at the season, I think we have played some fantastic football.

“I really liked our first half at home against Liverpool, as well as our win at Manchester City.

“Our performance at home to Manchester United was one of high quality too. How we lost, I don’t know.

“But even after disappointments, the next result has generally been good. We responded to the Manchester United defeat by playing really well against Borussia Dortmund.

“We have progressed a lot off the pitch too. Understanding the function and the demands of the club is very important and I’m pleased with the way every single player in the squad – and this has happened to all of us – has reacted to being rotated at some point in the season.

“Everyone has responded by thinking that they need to improve, that they need to do more. There’s no disappointment – you don’t hear anyone talking badly about the manager’s decision.

“To have a whole squad of that calibre respond in the same way tells me a lot about the quality of the group.

“Now we want to build momentum and the best way to do that is by being consistent on the pitch and winning trophies. We are in a really strong position – I think we are getting better in all areas.

“That evolution must continue because the potential of this club is limitless. Let’s take advantage of that.”

The club captain has made only 11 starts this season and a total of 12 appearances in all competitions. Listed on Arsenal.com as being out due to ‘match fitness’, Wenger last gave an update on 7th May saying “Arteta will be short.”

He has not been heard of since.