Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla needs surgery on chronic Achilles problem and may be out until 2017
Manager Arsene Wenger plays down the situation but Spanish midfielder could go under the knife next week
SANTI CORZOLA is expected to be out until the New Year.
Earlier hopes that the Arsenal midfield star could return from an Achilles tendon injury sooner look to have been dashed.
Cazorla, 31, hasn't played since October and has been advised by top specialists to undergo surgery to correct the problem.
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A decision as to whether or not to go under the knife is imminent.
Cazorla was injured during the 6-0 Champions League victory over Ludogorets in mid- October.
It was thought he would return in a matter of days but he's since missed the draws with Paris St Germaine, Middlesbrough, Tottenham and Manchester United, as well as in the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat to Southampton.
He said: "Cazorla, I don't know, honestly. It's just inflammation. It can go in two days, two weeks - I don't know. He has no setback, the inflammation is just still here. At the moment, it's stable."
The fact is Cazorla has not showed any sign of improvement despite being rested for a month and surgery looks to be the better option.
Should the Arsenal medics and the player decide to go ahead the operation could take place next week.
A year ago Cazorla underwent a knee operation after suffering a rupture to his external knee ligament.
He was originally ruled out for between three and four months but eventually missed most of the campaign after his knee recovery was hampered by an Achilles issue.
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