The former Ajax centre-half sustained an Achilles injury while on international dutywith Belgium, and has been sidelined since September.
The 25-year-old was thought to have been in line to return three weeks back, only for the player to suffer a setback in training that delayed his return.
Now The Mirror reports that the Gunners are looking to have their defender back in action by the time they face Chelsea on December 27.
I hope so, we're much weaker without him in there