Arsene Wenger keeps faith in Santi Cazorla despite injury-hit Arsenal midfielder requiring more surgery on long term achilles injury: 'I hope he will be alright and back with us in January'

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Arsene Wenger is refusing to give up on Santi Cazorla despite another injury setback and yet more surgery for the Arsenal midfielder.

Cazorla revealed on Wednesday he had undergone a ninth operation on the achilles tendon he damaged last year.

It raised new fears for the career of the 32-year-old Spain international who has not played for 14 months.

Arsene Wenger is refusing to give up on Santi Cazorla despite another injury setback

Cazorla revealed on Wednesday he had undergone a ninth operation on his achilles tendon

'That is for me, the disastrous, sad news of the day,' said Wenger, after celebrating a 5-0 win against Huddersfield.

'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 so much the game. For him not to be available for us, it is a big blow.

'For him, as well, it is something that is difficult to take and I hope despite what happened - I have been informed medically but I have not read any report - I hope he will be alright and back with us in January.

Wenger said it was 'disastrous' news but he remains hopeful Cazorla will return to the pitch

'That it what was planned originally. I don't know what happened in the surgery. I don't know if it will put him back or not. I have to speak to the doctor.'

Cazorla released his update via Twitter before Arsenal's game against Huddersfield.

'Due to some discomfort in the tendon in the last few days I have had to undergo surgery,' he said. 'It is delaying the date of my return to the field. I maintain my hope and motivation to enjoy my great passion, football.'