Arsene Wenger provides update on Santi Cazorla, with decision on the Spaniard’s future expected before end of the season

Santi Cazorla hasn't played football since October 2016.

Having injured his ankle, the Spaniard has since undergone ten operations to try and fix the problem. As he revealed in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, he also picked up a serious blood infection which could have resulted in the amputation of his foot. Further reports from Spain have recently suggested Cazorla may finally be nearing a return, going as far as suggesting the midfielder hopes to earn a new deal at Arsenal. Speaking on Thursday, Arsene Wenger told reporters that the 33-year-old remains in Spain where he is recuperating from his latest operation. He is, however, expected to return to London in the near future to reach a decision on his future. "I haven’t seen Santi since the League Cup final - he is in Spain doing his rehabilitation," Wenger explained. "The last news I heard is that he is doing well. "I think he will come back before the end of the season and then we will check on him." Despite speculation claiming he is close to a comeback, Wenger refused to be drawn on whether he would be able to play for the club again. "Will he play again in the Premier League? I don’t know. I hope so but I don't know. "We miss him a lot. He is an exceptional footballer. It is very sad what has happened for him and Arsenal."