Arsene Wenger reveals Santi Cazorla return date

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Santi Cazorla could make his comeback after Christmas after having stepped up his recovery from a long-term problem.

The Spain international sustained an Achilles injury during the 6-0 Champions League triumph over Ludogorets last year, and he has since been on the sidelines.

In a report covered by Metro, Wenger confirmed that Cazorla is making good progress from his Achilles injury, which has cost him nearly 12 months of first-team football.

He added that the Spaniard could return to the first-team mix during the festive period, should he enjoy a good run of games with the development squad.

"Not before Christmas. The first signs are positive, but still he has not played for one and a half years," Wenger said. "He is not in full training yet, he needs a few games with the reserve team. So I think if all goes well, it will be after Christmas."

Cazorla was initially expected to return to the Gunners squad in early March, but the midfielder revealed in May that he had underwent eight operations on his injury.