Santi Cazorla’s return to fitness has taken another major turn for the worse, after the Arsenal midfielder underwent another operation on his Achilles.

The Spaniard has not played for the Gunners since last October, and mentioned earlier in the month how he almost lost his foot to a serious infection.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had been hopeful that Carzola would be fit in time to make his comeback in January, but this set-back appears to have damaged those chances.

Tweeting from his personal account on Wednesday, Carzola said: “Due to some discomfort in the tendon the last few days, I have had to undergo surgery.

“It is delaying the date of my return to the field. I maintain my hope and motivation to enjoy my great passion, football.”