LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is set to be out of action for "approximately three months" after undergoing ankle surgery, the English Premier League club said Thursday.

The Gunners said Arteta had had a bony spur that was causing him discomfort removed from his left ankle, with a statement on Arsenal's website saying: "The procedure went well and Mikel will now begin a period of rehabilitation which is expected to last approximately three months."

Spanish midfielder Arteta has not played for the London side since damaging a calf in the 2-0 Champions League win at home to Borussia Dortmund on November 26.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Thursday: "Mikel has had surgery which went well. I have just seen him, he is back with us at the training ground.

"He had a limited mobility in his ankle and some persistent inflammation that had an impact on his calf.

"That meant we had to make the decision to have surgery and it's a proper solution which gives him the best chance to recover," the Frenchman added.