Santi Cazorla says surgery was 'perfect', eyes quick return to Emirates Stadium

Santi Cazorla has undergone surgery to correct an Achilles problem in Sweden and is facing at least two months on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old midfielder has been out of action since Arsenal's 6-1 home win over Ludogorets in the Champions League and after failing to respond to treatment from the club's medical staff it was decided that Cazorla will undergo surgery to fix the problem. The Spain international completed the procedure on Wednesday (7 December) and gave a major boost after revealing that it went off without a hitch before adding that he is eager to return to the Emirates Stadium and work on returning to action sooner rather than later.

"Surgery done! It was perfect! Looking forward to be back at the Emirates Stadium with you!" Cazorla wrote alongside a picture of him in the hospital on his official Instagram page.

The former Malaga player has been a vital part of Arsenal's midfield and has played a key role in helping them go unbeaten since the start of the season. Despite the Gunners being unbeaten in the Premier League and Champions League in his absence, Arsene Wenger has admitted that the team is missing the balance Cazorla provides via his deep midfield role.

Cazorla was initially expected to be out for at least three months, but the player confirmed that he will return a month in advance prior to his surgery, which is likely to see him return mid-February, around the time Arsenal will play their Champions League last-16 clash with the opponents set to be decided when the draw takes place on Monday (12 December).

The Spanish midfielder is also out of contract at the end of the season and the club are yet to open talks on a new deal. Cazorla has admitted that he would like to remain at the Emirates, and Wenger recently indicated that the club are set to trigger the 12-month option they inserted in his contract.