The Frenchman missed the Gunners' victory over Crystal Palace before the break and was left off of his nation's team for their Euro 2024 qualifying matches because he is still receiving treatment for the problem. He hasn't healed in time to play against the Whites at Emirates Stadium.
Mikel is hopeful that the issue won't keep him out for too long, and everyone involved is ready to take whatever steps are necessary to get him back on the field and completely fit as soon as as.
At his news conference before to the game, Mikel discussed the matter and said:“He is progressing. He still has some discomfort in his back. We are trying to manage him in the best possible way, but unfortunately, he’s not going to be fit for his game. We are trying – he’s trying to do everything to feel better and get back into training, but not yet.
“Back injuries are a bit tricky with how they evolve and the load that you put in certain areas, but he’s very positive about it. The medical staff are positive about it. Let’s push it every day a little bit and see how he can cope with that, and how the pain develops as well. He’s obviously so willing to be back with the team.
Although leaving the field against Sporting CP a few weeks ago, Mikel acknowledges that it is hard to pinpoint exactly when and how the injury happened. This adds a layer of complication to the scenario, but the major concern of the medical team is to avoid rushing the 22-year-old back too soon.
“We don’t know if it happened in the previous game because he had a very awkward landing against Fulham but before that he was fine,” he added.
“That’s one more for the doctors to answer and be more specific about the area and the load he puts into the area, how he can cope with that and what kind of pain he can handle, and avoid the risk that we can make it worse.
“I want to be positive and think that he is going to be able to [manage it when he returns], but I don’t have the answer today to answer 100 per cent that is going to be the case.”
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