The inspirational midfielder has been out of action since December after injuring ligaments in a challenge with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.
However, the former Barcelona starlet is now nearing a long-awaited return to first-team action, just in time to help Arsene Wenger's side push for FA Cup and Champions League glory, as well as securing fourth place in the Premier League.
"Hopefully, this will be the last game at Emirates Stadium that I miss this season, and the last time I have to drive in through the security checkpoint before a game!" he wrote in his programme notes ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup clash with Hull City.
"In future, I’d like to be coming in on the team bus with everyone else.
"I went for a scan on my injury on Monday, and if everything looks good I will hopefully start full training with the team on Thursday.
"From then on, it will be a case of waiting for everyone to come back from international duty next week, and I will look to be ready when they return."
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