Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is hoping to have Riccardo Calafiori back available “very soon”.

The Italian international pulled out during the warm-up before the Brighton game last month, having felt some muscular discomfort.

Calafiori has missed the last five matches (including the 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup at the weekend), but Arteta says the defender is in the “last stage” of his rehabilitation.

If all goes well, the 23-year-old could be back in training over the next week or so.

Expected Return Date – Saturday 17th January vs Nottingham Forest (a)