Santi Cazorla Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Knee and Return

Santi Cazorla picked up a knee injury during Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Norwich on Nov. 29 that required surgery and is facing a lengthy lay-off which will continue into 2016.

Continue for updates.

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Cazorla Undergoes Surgery

Sunday, Dec. 6

John Cross of the Daily Mirror reported Cazorla needed the procedure to repair the ruptured ligament suffered against the Canaries, noting the procedure could keep him out for the season.

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Cazorla Timeline Emerges

Wednesday, Dec. 2

"Cazorla is set to miss at least three months with the knee ligament injury," reported the Guardian.

"Arsenal are still assessing the injury but are resigned to losing the Spaniard until at least March as Arsene Wenger, the manager, continues to be hit by fitness problems for key players," continued the report.

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Cazorla Vital to Arsenal's Midfield

The Spain international has established himself as one of the Gunners' most important players since making the move to north London from Malaga in 2012. As the primary creative force at the heart of Arsenal's midfield, he mainly operates from the left wing or in the centre, distributing the ball with ease.

Unlike some of his team-mates, his injury history is almost spotless, per Transfermarkt.co.uk, and his consistency and reliability only increase his value to the squad. According to Philippe Auclair of France Football, he and Francis Coquelin, who is also dealing with injury, form one incredible partnership in midfield:

Last season, the veteran playmaker provided 11 assists to go with seven goals, via WhoScored.com, and replacing that kind of production won't be easy. Arsenal's strikers, and Olivier Giroud in particular, rely on the service of the pint-sized Spaniard, as creating isn't their strongest suit, and they'll have to find another way to get in scoring position.

The loss of Cazorla puts even more pressure on the shoulders of Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, two players who can decide a match with a single flash of brilliance.