Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger explains reason behind Santi Cazorla’s UEFA list inclusion

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Santi Cazorla has been included in Arsenal’s squad for the Europa League knockout phase.

Arsene Wenger says he included Santi Cazorla in Arsenal’s Europa League squad as extra motivation for the player to make a return to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Independent report.

The Spanish international midfielder hasn’t featured for the Gunners since October 2016, with his last outing coming in a 6-0 rout of Bulgarian side Ludogorets in the Champions League.

Cazorla is a popular figure in North London, but infections on his ankle following several surgeries almost ended his career early and included the possibility of having his right food amputated.

Santi Cazorla of Arsenal and Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea speak prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England.

He has battled on since then, and Wenger remains confident that the midfielder can make a return to action, adding he included him in his latest Europa League squad to give him that little extra motivation.

“I hope not,” Wenger responded when asked by the Independent whether Cazorla had played his last game for the club.

“He’s on the UEFA List. I don’t know how far he is since his last operation, but I put him there because we had room, I want him there and I want to give him strength as well to fight to come back.”

Arsenal saw a number of first-team players leave the club in January, such as Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez, Francis Coquelin and Olivier Giroud, making room for fringe players to stake their claim in the squad.

While Cazorla hasn’t featured at all for almost 18 months now, his quality is undeniable and a return to action even if only as a part-player will be a welcome boost for Arsenal and their supporters.

With the Gunners some five points off the top four and struggling for form on the road, the Europa League could be their best chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Cazorla has made over 170 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, and supporters will be desperate to see him back on the pitch to add the necessary guile and class to an often-inconsistent midfield.