Mikel Arteta admits he’s spoken to Lucas Torreira about his loan to Atletico Madrid, amid concerns about the player’s minutes this season.

Three months into Lucas Torreira’s loan spell with Atletico Madrid, things aren’t exactly going to plan. There are rumours he might go elsewhere for the second half of the season, after struggling to break into the Atletico starting lineup in the league.

Responding to questions on those reports, Mikel Arteta admitted he’d spoken to the midfielder about the loan, and didn’t deny the 24-year-old isn’t getting the minutes he’d want. But the Arsenal manager didn’t suggest they’re planning to recall him just yet.

“Well I have had some conversations with Lucas, he started the loan period really well but now he is lacking game time,” Arteta said.

“It can happen, the team is doing exceptionally well, they are first in La Liga and when a team is winning it is difficult to get into the starting line up.

“It is a long season, I know Lucas’ character, he is going to try to keep going and keep pushing too. Let’s see what will happen.”

Torreira recently made his fourth start of the season in all competitions, against third tier club UE Cornella in the Copa Del Rey. His only other start since October 24th was also in the same cup competition.

In the league, the Uruguay international made two starts in his first two games and hasn’t made another since. He’s made eight squad appearances in two-and-a-half months, coming off the bench in four of them.

As for the Champions League, Torreira has a combined 32 minutes despite being available for five of the six games. He really needs something to change before the end of the month, whether it’s a loan somewhere else or promises of an increase in minutes.