Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is back in full training after recovering from an ankle problem. The 32-year-old underwent surgery in January to remove a bony spur which had been causing him inflammation and discomfort since November. His last Premier League appearance came against Manchester United that month but he is now expected to be fully fit at the start of April. Mikel Arteta sprints during Arsenal's training session on Friday after returning from an ankle injury . The former Everton midfielder takes part in a drill with Theo Walcott (left) and Santi Cazorla . Arteta shakes hands with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at London Colney on Friday . Arteta is out of contract at the end of the season but he is expected to agree a new one-year deal. Arsene Wenger, who was pictured shaking hands with the former Everton man in training at London Colney on Friday, has confirmed that he wants his skipper to remain at the Emirates. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game with West Ham, the Frenchman said: 'Normally I would like him to stay on, yes. 'He has a huge experience and is very important in the squad.' Aaron Ramsey shared this picture of himself and Theo Walcott wearing their Comic Relief red noses . Francis Coquelin (right) entertains team-mates Olivier Giroud (left) and Mesut Ozil in training . Arsenal's hero against Manchester United on Monday, Danny Welbeck, gets put through his paces . Arsenal's players appeared in good spirits after seeing off Manchester United earlier in the week to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin were among those pictured laughing and joking at London Colney as the Gunners prepared for the visit of London rivals West Ham. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey also took to Instagram to share a picture of himself and team-mate Theo Walcott wearing red noses for Comic Relief. Alongside the image, the Welshman wrote: '@theowalcott and I have our noses on for @rednoseday, looking forward to @comicrelief tonight #RND15' Walcott (left) challenges Alexis Sanchez for the ball as Arsenal prepare to face West Ham on Saturday . Hector Bellerin (left) and Olivier Giroud are both expected to start for the Gunners at the Emirates . Germany midfielder Ozil leaps into the air as Wenger's players warm-up ahead of the pre-match session .
Mikel Arteta has been out of action since late November . He returned to training on Friday and could play again early next month . Arteta is expected to sign a one-year deal before his contract expires . Arsenal host London rivals West Ham on Saturday at 3pm . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .