Santi Cazorla could play for Arsenal again after Christmas as Arsene Wenger provides positive injury update
Fears crocked Gunners midfielder might never play for club again have been rubbished by Frenchman
ARSENE WENGER hopes Santi Cazorla will be fit to play as early as January after revealing his injury is NOT career threatening.
The Arsenal midfielder has been out with an Achilles KO since October 2016.
But Wenger said: "He's having his first run today so that’s positive.
"The flexibility of his ankle is good, his mobility is good, he is getting back to full fitness without many set-backs but overall it's difficult to set a time.
"Not before Christmas – that’s why I didn’t involve him in the Europa League - but I hope after Christmas he will be available."
There were fears Spain star Cazorla, 32, may never play for the Gunners again.
The former Malaga ace even considered retiring.
But Wenger insisted: "Yes [he’ll perform again] but he hasn’t played in over a year.
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"He had a few surgeries so we are cautious to set a date but it looks positive."
Wenger is today assessing the fitness of his squad ahead of Saturday's home clash against Bournemouth following the international break.
Alexis Sanchez was criticised for looking "fat" during Chile's 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Bolivia.
The question also remains whether he is focused on Arsenal having missed out on a Manchester City move.
Wenger explained: "Yes of course. I had no doubt in my mind on his mentality."
The Frenchman added: "He needs to come back to full fitness, which he was not at Liverpool. It was his first game.
"He suffered a negative experience with Chile but he's strong and hopefully he will be close to his best."
Meanwhile Jack Wilshere is in contention to make his Arsenal return against Bournemouth - who he spent last season on loan at.
Wenger said: "Wilshere is getting stronger every day.
"I haven't decided whether to include him in the squad. We still need some fitness work but he's in a positive trend."
