Why Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira still hasn’t played a single minute for Porto on loan

Since he signed for Arsenal in 2022, Fabio Vieira hasn’t quite had the desired impact he would have imagined in north London.

Vieira was pitched as the big-brain signing that Mikel Arteta and Edu both really wanted at Arsenal – a playmaker with so much end product.

However, injuries and inconsistencies have curtailed the 24-year-old’s impact, who has now returned to FC Porto for a year on loan.

According to reports, Vieira has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, meaning there’s definitely scope for the Portuguese midfielder to revive his career in N5 once he returns.

Thus far, Vieira has played for Arsenal 49 times, scoring three goals and providing nine assists – numbers he may better in a single season back on loan at FC Porto.

Portuguese sources provide Fabio Vieira injury update

As mentioned, injuries have been an issue for Vieira in recent years, and Arsenal fans may be wondering why they are yet to hear any news of the midfielder playing in Porto.

Unfortunately, Vieira suffered an injury to his right thigh in training recently whilst continuing to recover from a muscle injury he was carrying at Arsenal.

But there is good news, Vieira is now speeding up his recovery according to sources in Portugal, and could make his second debut for Porto imminently.

The 24-year-old is ahead of his original one month prognosis, and may be an option for Porto against FC Braga at the beginning of October.

In his final season for Porto before joining Arsenal, Vieira scored seven goals and provided 16 assists in 39 games – numbers he’ll be hoping to repeat even in a shorter window.

Ethan Nwaneri ready to take Fabio Vieira’s role

Of course, heading into the summer transfer window, many believed that Arsenal would only part ways with one of Vieira or Emile Smith Rowe.

However, after Smith Rowe’s permanent move to Fulham, the Portuguese midfielder still followed him out of the door.

That may be because Ethan Nwaneri is considered ready to be Martin Odegaard’s immediate backup this season, an incredibly impressive talent.

Speaking of exciting youngsters, Myles Lewis-Skelly amazed his Arsenal teammates on Sunday, performing admirably in his cameo away to Manchester City.

There’s a lot to be positive about at the Emirates Stadium right now, and fans will be hoping to soon enjoy watching Vieira’s success out on loan.