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Arsenal midfielder expected to miss rest of the season

Cazorla is recovering from ankle surgery. Credit: PA

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is not expected to play against this season as he recovers from ankle surgery.

The 32-year-old has not featured since being forced off during the second half of Arsenal's 6-0 Champions League group win against Ludogorets on October 19.

Following an operation on the plantaris tendon in the Spain international's right foot, the Premier League club expected his rehabilitation to take around three months.

However, Press Association Sport understands Cazorla is not set to recovery in time to be involved again this season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had spoken of the importance of Cazorla to the squad following the news of his injury.

Wenger said:

The dressing room needs a balance between experience and youth-team players and you need to be guided as well by some experienced players as well when you go through difficult times.

They help you always to keep your feet on the ground and keep focused.

– Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Lucas Perez agent clarifies Arsenal exit rumours

Lucas Perez is unhappy with his limited first-team opportunities at Arsenal but is not angling for a move in the summer, according to his agent.

The Spanish forward wants to stay and fight for his place. Credit: PA

The 28-year-old has started just eight games in all competitions for the Gunners this season having signed from Deportivo La Caruna in August.

Perez was originally offered to Arsenal earlier in the off-season but manager Arsene Wenger resisted as he was hopeful of landing Leicester and England man Jamie Vardy instead.

Vardy opted to remain at the King Power Stadium so a move for Perez, who registered 17 LaLiga goals last term, was resurrected.

But despite spending a reported £17million, Wenger has limited Perez's appearances and the Spaniard has played a largely peripheral role in the squad.

Reports he will therefore look to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the campaign are wide of the mark however, according to agent Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle, who had been quoted on an Italian website declaring such intentions.

Lovelle told Press Association Sport when asked about Perez's future:

Like any professional, he wants to play. When one does not play he is not happy but we knew it would be difficult and it is a long contract.

Lucas has this contract with Arsenal and he wants to succeed there. No-one has spoken of a move.

– Fernandez Lovelle
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