Arsenal’s Top 4 Hopes Dented After Wenger Confirms Major Injury Blow

Arsenal’s chances of finishing in the top four have taken another blow after Arsene Wenger confirmed Santi Cazorla isn’t expected to play again this season.

Cazorla hasn’t featured in the first team since aggravating a long-term Achilles injury during our win over Ludogorets in the group stages of the Champions League back in October.

Wenger was initially hopeful the injury was only minor and may see Cazorla miss only a few games but the problem has proven to be more serious than anyone could have anticipated.

The midfielder underwent surgery in December after inflammation around the ankle refused to subside but that didn’t resolve the issue and Cazorla was forced to have a second operation at the turn of the year.

There were hopes the Spaniard could be back in action towards the end of February but a number of setbacks along the way have seen his proposed comeback date continually postponed.

We haven’t heard an update about Cazorla’s recovery for several weeks but Wenger has now confirmed that the playmaker is unlikely to play again this season.

The boss told Arsenal.com:

on Cazorla update…
Unfortunately no. I think the season is over for him.

This news will come as a major blow to our hopes of finishing in the top four this season as Cazorla has proven to be a HUGE miss over the past five months since he was sidelined.

We just haven’t looked the same team without him in the middle of the park and it’s become clear that Arsenal just aren’t as effective without our Spanish maestro dictating play in midfield.

I had hoped Santi would be fit enough to play some part in our run-in and the boost of his return may have proven decisive in the race for Champions League qualification.

However, now we know he isn’t going to feature again this season, Wenger needs to figure out a way to get the side playing effectively again without Cazorla.

Wenger offers team news update ahead of Man City clash

Central midfield has been a problem area ever since Santi picked up this injury and the boss has struggled to find his best pairing, while niggling injuries and suspensions haven’t helped.

Granit Xhaka appears to have cemented his place in the team so it’s all about who should partner him and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the man who’s been in the best form in recent months so I’d like to see him next to Xhaka against Man City this weekend.