Mikel Merino is "pushing every boundary" to return for Arsenal before the end of the season.
The Spaniard has been on the sidelines since he came off the bench to score in a defeat to Manchester United in January.
Merino underwent surgery on his right foot injury, one that Mikel Arteta described as "very rare". The midfielder's dad suggested there was "no history of this type of injury".
A timeline for Merino's return has remained unclear but he is out of his boot and has been going through exercises without pain.
Asked on Friday whether Merino could still play a part in the Premier League title push this season, Arteta replied: "It's a bit premature to say that.
"He's evolving really well. He's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can.
"But it's a bit early to answer that question."
Arsenal host Newcastle on Saturday evening, the first of two matches they play in the league before Manchester City are next in action.
That offers the Gunners the chance to move six points clear at the top and they have been boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori.
Both are expected to be in the squad against the Magpies, but Jurrien Timber is still on the sidelines with a groin injury.
Arteta's options have been bolstered, though the Arsenal manager warned those returning from injury that they needed to get up to full speed immediately.
"Now we need to get the best version out of them," Arteta said.
"Being available is not enough. Being available with your best version is what we need in this stage of the season.
"At least they are with us, they make us certainly stronger. We've missed them.
"Now other players as well that just came back are going to have more game, more minutes and hopefully we will see better performances from them."
