The Gunners’ Spanish midfielder has been absent with an Achilles injury for over a month
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says the Gunners have missed midfielder Santi Cazorla, in particular the Spaniard’s ‘stability’ he bring to the side.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Frenchman spoke of the void Cazorla’s absence has left, but insists that his side still has the quality within the squad to skirt around the issue.
Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla celebrates scoring their second goal
Since Cazorla picked up an achilles injury versus Ludogorets in the UEFA Champions League in mid-October, Arsenal have struggled against better opposition, for which Cazorla’s lack of influence has been felt in recent weeks.
The 31 year-old has missed both trips to White Hart Lane and Old Trafford, were the Gunners lacked cohesion without the orchestra’s conductor-in-chief. Arsene Wenger however believes his team have the quality to overcome his loss to the side.
Speaking to Arsenal.com Wenger said: “He’s important to our technical stability in the team, to the quality of our decision-making and to our build-up from deep midfield to the high midfield.”
“That’s an important stage because it gets the ball out from the defenders.”
Before the turn of the month, The North Londoners had won 11 out of 15 games in all competitions this season. With the meeting of tougher opposition however, Arsenal have lacked Cazorla’s composure and creativity as well as being the thread that knits defence and attack together.
In his stead, Aaron Ramsey has returned from injury himself but has struggled to form a partnership with Francis Coquelin in central midfield so far this season.
Malaga’ Santi Cazorla plays with the ball as he prepares to kick a corner during
Since making the switch from Malaga in 2012, Santi Cazorla has scored 29 goals in 180 appearances for the club, notching 12 in his debut season in North London.
The midfielder has become an integral part in Arsene Wenger’s setup. Despite being linked with a move away from The Gunners, the Spaniard continues to be a focal part of the Arsenal side.
Granit Xhaka has very much been eased into life at Arsenal and as such, the Switzerland international has been unable to become deputy to Cazorla.
On the subject of Xhaka, the Arsenal boss says the Swiss is developing well and working hard, but for now will not be quick to answer fan’s cries of a regular stating place.
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring their first goal with Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey
“I’m very happy with Granit’s commitment,” said Wenger. “I think he’s developing well. He hasn’t maybe started enough since the start of the season but he is adapting to a different league, a different way of playing.
“Overall I’m happy because every day he’s focused on working hard and I’m confident he’ll get his number of games.”
On his approach to the next few games with a nod to the upcoming festive schedule, he added, “In November you see the first signs of players who need a little breather, especially in areas where you fight and run a lot.
“I try to combine both to give players fresh legs and also get around the fact that Santi’s not there.”
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