Mikel Arteta defends Fabio Vieira after Arsenal star struggles against Brighton

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal slipped to a disappointing Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta believes the World Cup break will be of huge benefit to summer signing Fabio Vieira who has made a stuttering start to his Arsenal career.

The Gunners spent £34million on the creative midfielder when they signed him from Porto in the summer.

Vieira missed a chunk of pre-season, however, after he arrived nursing an ankle injury that saw him play no part in the club’s tour of America.

The 22-year-old has largely been restricted to cameo appearances in the Premier League but has been a regular starter in the cup competitions.

Vieira started against Brighton last night as Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-1 defeat, their first loss at home so far this season.

Portugal Under-21 international Vieira endured a disappointing night and was substituted with 18 minutes remaining having struggled to exert any influence on the game.

‘I think in front of goal he’s been a little bit unlucky because in the last few games he could have scored a few goals,’ said Arteta.

Fabio Vieira endured another difficult night in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield (Picture: Getty)

‘Every player needs time to adapt and to play against Brentford away from home, he was surrounded by players he’s more familiar with, and it was a little bit easier.

‘We have asked him to play in different positions as well because of the needs that we have in the squad. I’m not worried at all.’

Asked if Vieira had settled well in England, Arteta added: ‘Well, he’s missed a big part [of pre-season] because he was injured for two and a half months.

‘He’s missed a whole pre-season, didn’t have any pre-season and I think that period now in the World Cup is going to make him very good.’

Despite a rare reversal, Arsenal remain in a healthy position heading into the break for the World Cup and Arteta is hoping he will be able to bring in reinforcements in January.

He said: ‘It’s the same squad as when we win. I always said from day one that we have a shorter squad because at the end we left some players.

‘As well if everyone is available and everyone can play the minutes, we are okay, but at the moment we have some injuries. We know what it is, but it’s nothing new. I said it the first day after the transfer window.

‘The window is open and I will have to discuss the options that we have, the capacity that we have to make those changes and be in the market for any opportunity.

‘We don’t know what is going to happen – all of our options are open.’

MORE : Mikel Arteta sends message to Arsenal board over January transfers after Carabao Cup exit

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It’s not gone to plan so far.