Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has revealed that he is pleased to have returned from injury earlier than expected.

The 31-year-old Spaniard missed the first month of the season with a thigh problem before coming back into the side at the beginning of September.

Arteta has started the Gunners' last two matches, including Sunday's 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

"It was frustrating to be out of the side because I worked so hard in pre-season and then I got injured," he told the club's official website.

"Psychologically it was hard to take, but I worked hard because they weren't expecting me back for six to eight weeks and I made it back in five so I was really happy."

Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break when they host Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium on October 19.