Arsenal news: Aaron Ramsey enjoying return to central midfield following Santi Cazorla injury blow

Aaron Ramsey has welcomed his return to Arsenal's central midfield and hopes to continue delivering in the absence of Santi Cazorla.

Cazorla underwent a transformation of sorts last season, dropping into a deeper midfield role where he has excelled ever since. However, the Spain international is now facing up to four months on the sidelines after he was forced to undergo surgery to address a knee ligament injury suffered in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City.

This absence has allowed Ramsey to regain his role in a central position, where he proved to be so effective in the 2013-14 season. Partnering Mathieu Flamini – another enforced alteration with Francis Coquelin unavailable until February – the Wales international has scored twice and laid on two assists in three games in the absence of Cazorla. He feels he is one again operating in his best position.

"I am really enjoying it," he told Arsenal's official website. "That is where I feel I play my best football and can have an effect on the game.

"I have scored a couple and had a couple of assists as well in the three games I have played there. So I am delighted with the way things are going, hopefully I can continue to do well there."

Ramsey's instant impact on moving back inside will be welcomed following the loss of Cazorla. His manager Arsene Wenger claimed the Spain international could be ruled out for four months, although Cazorla himself is hoping to make his comeback within three.

"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," he said to Cadena Cope. "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."