Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may be dealt a major blow as speculation has suggested that midfielder Santi Cazorla may need surgery on his Achilles tendon.
The Spanish international has been sidelined since the end of October with the issue, and his absence has been very noticeable as the Gunners have struggled in recent weeks.
With one win, three draws and a defeat in their last five games, Arsene Wenger will be desperate to see his side get back to winning ways against West Ham United this weekend, but he could be without a key player for some time yet.
According to IBTimes journalist Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal, the midfield maestro has been advised to go under the knife and have an operation to properly correct the problem.
It’s added that a decision will be made on Thursday, and that should Cazorla decide to go ahead with the procedure, he will be sidelined until 2017.
Nevertheless, as inflammation of the issue continues to hamper him and set his comeback date further back, perhaps the most sensible option would be to have surgery and return for the second half of the season fully fit and ready to play his part in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware.
It will be a damaging blow in the more immediate future though, as Arsenal’s performances have been poor since Cazorla was ruled out as they have failed to play with the same fluidity and pace as they did with him in the side.
It’s a difficult decision for all concerned to make if true, as Arsenal staff members, the squad and the supporters will all be desperate to see the Spaniard return as soon as possible.