Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has reportedly been advised by doctors to undergo surgery on a troublesome Achilles problem.
The Spaniard has not been seen on the pitch since suffering a knock during the Gunners' 6-0 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad on October 19.
The injury was not initially deemed to be serious but the inflammation has not reduced enough in the past six weeks, and according to IBTimes UK, European specialists have told Cazorla that surgery may be the only answer.
If the 31-year-old does go under the knife, he is unlikely to recover in time to feature in Arsenal's hectic festive schedule over the Christmas and New Year period.
It is understood that Arsenal will make a decision on whether to go ahead with surgery in the coming days.