Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has stated that he does not anticipate having his Portuguese attacking midfield player, Fabio Vieira, available for the team anytime soon.
Due to his pending suspension following his red card in the league game against Burnley on November 11, 2023, Fabio Vieira was left off of Arsenal’s roster for their 1-0 victory against Brentford on November 25, 2023.
Given that a red card in a league game has no bearing on the UEFA Champions League, the majority of Arsenal supporters anticipated that Vieira would be available for Arsenal’s Champions League group stage match against Lens on Wednesday, November 29.
Coach Mikel Arteta informed media prior to the Champions League match at the Emirates Stadium that Fabio Vieira would not be playing due to surgery.
“Vieira underwent surgery on his groin yesterday and he will be out for weeks,” stated the Spanish strategist.
We don’t anticipate having him return before the Christmas break.
Fabio Vieira had played in 14 games in all competitions this season with two goals and four assists before his drama with the red card and surgery.
The 23-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder’s contract with the North London club expires on June 30, 2027. He signed with Arsenal on July 1, 2022, after leaving Porto for a transfer price of €35 million.
His absence from Arsenal’s Champions League roster on Wednesday might not send fans into a tailspin at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners lead Group B with nine points after four games, four points ahead of PSV in second place and Lens in third. Therefore, Arsenal will still be leading the group even in the event of a draw or even a loss on Wednesday.
