Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to have Santi Cazorla back after Christmas as he plays down fears midfielder's injury could end career
- Santi Cazorla has been out since Arsenal's 6-0 win over Ludogorets last October
- The Spaniard has suffered with a long-term achilles injury in his right ankle
- Despite eight operations, Arsene Wenger hopes to have him back in 2018
- READ: Cazorla reveals he is 'one step closer' to return as he continues rehab
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he hopes to have midfielder Santi Cazorla back in his squad after Christmas.
Fears had been raised over the long-term fitness of the Spaniard after he was left out of the Europa League and Premier League squads.
The 32-year-old has not kicked a ball in over a year, with his last appearance coming against Ludogorets in the Champions League in October last year.
Arsene Wenger has revealed he hopes to have Santi Cazorla back in his squad after Christmas
Cazorla has been sharing videos of himself getting back to full fitness on his Instagram
The Spaniard has been focusing on rehabilitating his right ankle, after achilles tendon injuries
But despite undergoing eight operations in that time, his boss revealed that he hopes to welcome the player back into the fold in 2018.
Asked if Cazorla's injuries were career-threatening, Wenger said: 'No, he is having his first run today, so that’s quite positive.
'The flexibility of his ankle and his mobility looks good. It’s now about getting back to full fitness without having any setbacks.
'It’s very difficult not to set a time before Christmas, that’s why I didn’t involve him in the Europa League. But overall, after Christmas I hope he will be available.
'He has not played for over a year now, so you’re always cautious to set a time or date. But overall it looks positive.'
Cazorla has been struggling with an achilles tendon injury in his right ankle for the past year
Arsenal boss Wenger was speaking to the press ahead of their clash with Bournemouth
Jack Wilshere is also recovering from a long-term injury having returned from his loan stint at Bournemouth last season with a broken leg.
Wenger revealed that the match against his former club on Saturday may come too soon for the England international, but insists the 25-year-old's recovery is going smoothly.
'He still needs some fitness work,' Wenger said ahead of their clash at the Emirates. 'But he is getting better and better.'
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