Sign up to FREE email alerts from Football London - Arsenal Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Santi Cazorla has been forced to have a second operation in just over a month after suffering a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury.

The Spaniard has not played for the Gunners since the 6-0 win against Ludogorets in October and went under the knife in December to try and fix a troublesome ankle problem.

Last week Arsene Wenger admitted he couldn't put a date on Cazorla's return and that he was unsure at how the midfielder's recovery was progressing.

And now the Gunners boss has confirmed that the 32-year-old has had to see the surgeon yet again following a setback in his rehabilitation process.

Wenger said: "Santi had a little procedure and we have a meeting with the medical people to see what it was really.

"Certainly he will not be available in the next six weeks that is for sure."

When quizzed on whether the midfielder would play again this season, he added: "I hope so because once you start to go out, you have to count six weeks preparation.

"At the moment he is not at that level. Let’s hope he can come back in the next three or four weeks on the pitch."

Cazorla had started the season in fine form before his injury, scoring twice in 11 appearances.

Wenger said: “It’s frustrating because he’s such a great player and he started the season in such a tremendous way - he was the dominant player in our squad.

“Then we suddenly lost him.”

Cazorla is out of contract at the end of the season, although Wenger has hinted that the club will take up an option in the deal to extend his stay.