Arsene Wenger has played down talk of an early return from injury for Santi Cazorla predicting he will likely miss Arsenal's next three games. Cazorla , who has already missed four matches this season due to the ankle injury,and now Wenger does not expect him to return until the Oct. 19 visit of Norwich to the Emirates:
He stated : 'He could be back after the international break'
However, Wenger's prediction that the Spaniard will not return before the international break means Cazorla is will miss games against Swansea, Napoli and the Baggies.
His absence limits Arsenal's wide options, with Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky, AlexOxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott all currently injured as well.
Wenger addressed Walcott's status, following surgery on an abdominal problem. The Arsenal boss confirmed the operation had been a success and put a tentative time-frame on his recovery, stating 'Walcott "optimistically three weeks" and "realistically five weeks" away from return'. Two other concerns surround midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey, but Wenger expects both to be available for the trip to the Liberty Stadium, 'No fresh injuries from West Brom. Flamini has small shoulder problem, Ramsey to be assessed today'. he also stated on Ramsey's situation, "He has a little thigh problem but he should be alright"
Flamini’s presence will be particularly key against a Swansea side who love to play between the lines of defence and midfield. The former Milan midfielder will sit in front of the back four and aim to cut the supply line to Michu. Wenger on Michu: "I see him a little bit like a Bergkamp, positionally"
Ramsey, meanwhile, has already scored three times in the league and is enjoying his best spell at Arsenal.
Wenger also addressed Stan Kroenke’s show of support after the club’s owner revealed he would love the Arsenal boss to extend his stay in North London: Wenger: "I would love to be here forever because that would make me immortal! I love this Club of course"
Arsenal are aiming to end an eight-year trophy drought this season and are currently top of the table heading into the weekend.
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