Mikel Arteta is making his return from injury with an outing for the u21s against Blackburn Rovers this afternoon.

The club captain has been out since the game against West Brom in November and his return will serve as a boost to Arsene Wenger who found himself very short of midfielders over the Christmas period.

Arteta is out of contract in the summer and with the imminent arrival of Mohamed Elneny, coupled with his chronic calf problems it would seem as if his playing days at the club are coming to an end.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Captain Mikel Arteta of Arsenal lifts the trophy after his team's 1-0 win in the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 2, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 02: Captain Mikel Arteta of Arsenal lifts the trophy after his team’s 1-0 win in the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 2, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

He is, however, expected to remain at Arsenal in a coaching capacity.

Appreciate Arteta’s silent brilliance in this video below: