Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has been sent to Spain for specialist treatment in an attempt to cure an achilles injury which has kept him out of action since the middle of October.
Cazorla – one of Arsenal’s stand-out players at the start of the season – hasn’t featured for Arsene Wenger’s side since the 6-0 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad on October 19.
The 31-year-old had hoped to return from injury in time for the derby clash against Tottenham two weeks ago, but was ruled out of the 1-1 draw after suffering a setback in his recovery.
Wenger has turned to Spanish doctor Ramon Cugat, an injury specialist favoured by Pep Guardiola during his time in charge of Barcelona, in an attempt to cure Cazorla.
Cugat has treated a number of football players, including Guardiola himself, throughout his career, with Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol among the star names to have visited his surgery.
Cazorla has been given an injection by Cugat to treat his achilles problem but the midfielder is still unable to train with the rest of the Arsenal first-team, according to The Mirror.
Wenger is hoping to have the 31-year-old back in time for the busy Christmas period, when the Gunners face Manchester City, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth over a two-week period.
The Frenchman’s more immediate concern, however, is on Wednesday’s home game against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Arsenal will remain top of Group A if they can avoid defeat against the French champions at the Emirates.