Robert Pires reveals Santi Cazorla will miss another six months after surgery

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has revealed that Santi Cazorla will be out for another six months after undergoing another surgery on his achilles. The midfielder has been out of action for more than 14 months when he had to go through multiple surgeries, such that his career going forward has been forced into doubt.

The midfielder's absence has coincided with Arsenal's dip in form but Arsene Wenger, who is in regular touch with the player, believes there is still a long time to go before things straighten out at Cazorla's end. The Spaniard's initial injury was sustained during a Champions League match against Ludogorets in October 2016.

The 32-year-old has since undergone nine surgeries to correct the problem, but doubts remain if he will ever return to the football pitch. The doctors had finally cleared him to begin walking after initial fears pointed towards a potential amputation, but the latest setback ensures that he will have to begin his rehabilitation yet again.

Pires revealed that he is in regular touch with the player and expressed his disappointment at the setback which has all but his season into jeopardy. The Spaniard worked with Pires during his time at Villareal before making a move to the Emirates from Malaga.

"I've known Santi for a long time because we played together at Villarreal," Pires told Marca, as quoted by the Express. "He's my friend and I'm very disappointed for him because he's a great professional. He's had the surgery on his Achilles tendon so he's out for six months. The situation is very difficult and I keep in contact with him."

Cazorla would have been a calming influence in the squad in its current state with the Gunners going through a torrid patch of form at the moment. The north London club have taken only two points from their last three games in the league and are currently in seventh spot, 19 points off leaders Manchester City.