Arsene Wenger confirmed in his pre-Liverpool presser that Santi Cazorla is most likely sidelined for the rest of the season.

The manager admitted that not having Santi in the side is a big loss but that although he’s not an expert, it’s not looking as if the midfielder will play against until next term.

“It is very frustrating for us because, at the start of the season, he was maybe the star of the team,” said Wenger.

“Overall it is a big loss for us but I am especially sad for him. For a guy who loves football, when football is so natural, he suffers a lot not to be on the pitch.

“I am not specialised enough [to know if he’s out for the season],” added the boss. “It’s a special problem on his calf. At the moment, the only thing I can say because I have not seen him in training, not even in fitness work, is that he’ll be short [to return this season].”

The little Spaniard has now undergone more than one operation on his ankle to rectify an ongoing Achilles problem. It seems to be one thing after another with the midfielder and the fact that, as Wenger said, he’s not even anywhere near training is a concern.

At least, however, we know that he’s not just weeks away. We can make our piece with the fact that perhaps we won’t see him until August and just prepare.

It’s interesting that Arsenal signed Santi to a year-long contract extension since he’s out for the rest of the season. Perhaps this is why the club haven’t officially announced it despite the player confirming it himself.