The Gunners might have brushed off Huddersfield to record an emphatic victory on Wednesday night, but the manager admitted it wasn't all good news at Emirates Stadium.

It was reported that Santi Cazorla – who has been out of action since October last year – had required yet another operation on his troublesome Achilles injury. The procedure has taken place in Spain where he has had his previous surgeries.

"That’s for me, the disastrous, sad news of the day," the boss said. "I feel really sorry for Santi. He is a guy I admire, that we all love here, who came into training every day with a smile because he loved the game so much.

"For him not to be available for us, it is a big blow. But for him, as well, it is something that is difficult to take.”

The boss was reluctant to set a return date for the Spaniard, until he knew more details of the latest operation.

"I don’t know well exactly what happened today," he added. "I've been informed medically but I haven't read any report. I don’t know if it will put him back or not.

"I have to speak to the doctor."