Santi Cazorla could be back in action for Arsenal come 2018

The Gunners playmaker has played just nine Premier League games since November 2015.

Cazorla has been sidelined for almost 12 months now with an Achilles injury, having been plagued with problems in recent years.

The 32-year-old’s quality and composure has been sorely missed at the Emirates.

But Cazorla has provided regular updates showing his work at the gym to get back to full fitness.

There have been fears he may never play for Arsenal again, with his contract set to expire next summer.

And Wenger left the Spaniard out of his Premier League squad for the first half of the season.

But after last night’s 2-0 win over West Brom, the Arsenal boss revealed: “The first signs are positive.

“But still he has not played for one and a half years.

“It won't be before Christmas.

“He is not in full training yet, he needs a few games with the reserve team.

Alexandre Lacazette did the business for Arsenal last night scoring twice against West Brom

“So I think if all goes well, it will be after Christmas.”

Should Cazorla not suffer any further setbacks in his recovery, first-team appearances in 2018 are a possibility.

However, Arsenal will take no risks with rushing back the skilful midfielder into action.

If Cazorla proves his fitness for the Gunners, another contract extension may be handed to him.

Arsenal beat West Brom 2-0 last night to move seventh in the Premier League table.