Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed the Spaniard was back in light training following a disheartening layoff.
While Gooners may be hoping to see him back soon, the midfielder won't play first-team football until next year.
Arsenal are crying out for more quality following a disastrous start to the season, losing two of their three games so far this term.
But Wenger says everything is looking good at this early stage.
Yesterday Wenger said: "He’s having his first run today, so that’s quite positive.
"The flexibility of his ankle looks good, mobility looks good, now its getting back to full fitness without any setbacks.
"It’s difficult to predict when he’ll be available again, but overall it’s difficult to set a time, not before Christmas.
"That’s why I didn’t involve him in the Europa League, hopefully after Christmas he will be available.
"He’s not played over a year now, had a few surgeries, so you’re always cautious to set a time or date, but overall it looks positive."
