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Santi Cazorla will miss the rest of the season in another major setback for Arsenal.

Cazorla, 32, is already planning to get himself fit for next term because his ankle problem is taking longer than first expected.

The Arsenal midfielder has undergone several operations, including a skin graft taken from his arm, on the troublesome area around his ankle. Cazorla has been undergoing treatment on the ankle for months and specialists are now hoping it has been solved but it is a long road back to match fitness.

It is proving to be a difficult time for Cazorla who is one of Arsenal’s most important players both on the pitch and in the dressing room as he is hugely popular among his team mates.

Cazorla is understood to be in good spirits and is determined to come back to full fitness even though his return has already taken longer than first expected.

(Image: Instagram/santicazorla)

It first flared up when Cazorla took a kick near his Achilles during the Champions League game against Ludogorets in October.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger originally hoped he would be back by now but it is understood the club believe he will not play again this season and his recovery programme is being tailored towards getting him ready for next season.

Wenger regards Cazorla as one of his most important players and had been hoping he would be back within the next few weeks for the club’s run-in.

(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty)

But they are looking to next season already, although Mirror Sport understands that there is no question of Cazorla leaving despite reports suggesting foreign interest in the Spain international.

Arsenal had a one-year contract extension option which has been exercised and his deal does not expire until 2018 with Cazorla hoping to be fit to start pre-season.