Huge Blow: Arsene Wenger Confirms Arsenal Star Set For Lengthy Spell On Sidelines
Jan 14, 2017 at 4:47 PM
Arsene Wenger has said that Santi Cazorla is set to have a lengthy spell on the sidelines after needing a second surgery the troublesome ankle that has kept him out of action since October.
The Spain international, who underwent an operation on the plantaris tendon in his right ankle last month, was expected to return to action in February but Wenger fears that the midfielder is in danger of missing the majority of the season.
Speaking at his pre-match conference, Wenger said:“He had a little procedure, yes, but we have a meeting today with the medical people to see what it was.”
Wenger also hoped that the Spaniard does not miss the whole season as his team is desperately seeking the return of the influential midfielder.
“Yeah, I hope so,” Wenger said. “Because once you start to go out [running outside] you have to count six weeks’ preparation. At the moment he’s not at that level, so let’s hope he can come back in the next three or four weeks on the pitch.”
Well, it means that the midfielder is not likely to return before April. It will be a huge blow for the Gunners who have struggled to perform well in the absence of the midfielder. Cazorla has been one of Arsenal’s most important players and his absence has clearly hurt the Gunners. Last year, Arsenal were the hot favourites to win the title until the Spanish midfielder was injured in November. Arsene Wenger’s side are experiencing something similar in this season too. They were doing really well in the league before the midfielder was injured and the results have reflected how much they depend on Cazorla.
Arsene Wenger’s side has won against Sunderland, Bournemouth, West Ham United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in Cazorla’s absence but have picked up only two points in the four games against Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City. Furthermore, they somehow managed to salvage a 3-3 draw against Bournemouth in their last Premier League game as their title challenge is in danger of getting derailed. They are currently fifth in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Chelsea and another poor result might end their bleak hopes of ending the title drought.
Meanwhile, they will look to bounce back to winning ways when they take on struggling Swansea City on Saturday.