At least Arsenal managed to get through our final Champions League group game against Olympiacos and the two Premier League clashes with Sunderland and Aston Villa without losing any more players to injury. Seven first team players is more than enough to have in the treatment room thank you.
But there is some more bad news on the injury front, closely following on the news of another delay to the return of Danny Welbeck. This time it is our midfield maestro and pass master Santi Cazorla that is the bearer of bad news. There was hope that the Spanish international might be able to recover in time to play some part for the Gunners in the Champions League.
But unless Arsenal pull off another big shock and get past the holders Barcelona, Santi will not be playing in the competition again this season. The Mirror is reporting that the player himself has confirmed that he will be out for too long to feature in either of the two legs against Barca.
Cazorla revealed, “I am trying to take it well. These are the things that happen in football and I am trying to recover as soon as possible.
“I have to be ready mentally to work and hopefully I can shorten the recovery time as much as possible.
“I do not want to set a time but I want to play in three months. I do not want to extend it more if it is possible. Arsenal have told me it will be between three and four months, which may be closer to four.
“I have already said that I will work hard, I want to make everything I can to play in March but we will see how it goes. We are not going to force it if is going to be bad. But my priority is to play in March.”
“The club have told me to be calm and that when I return we will be in the finals (laughs). I hope so. The important thing is that the team do well and I recover as soon as possible.”
The little magician could provide a brilliant and timely boost to Arsenal when he does return but until then, can Aaron Ramsey and all keep our trophy hopes on track?