Santi Cazorla has revealed that he is targeting a March return to the Arsenal lineup but has warned that his recovery could take longer.
The Spanish midfielder underwent knee surgery after rupturing his lateral ligament in a game at the end of November, and has now suggested that he could be out for more than three months.
"I am trying to take it well," he told Cadena Cope. "These are the things that happen in football and I am trying to recover as soon as possible.
"I do not want to set a time but I want to play in three months. I do not want to extend it more if it is possible. Arsenal have told me it will be between three and four months, which may be closer to four.
"I have already said that I will work hard, I want to make everything I can to play in March but we will see how it goes. We are not going to force it if is going to be bad. But my priority is to play in March."
Cazorla is one of many players on Arsenal's injury list, although the side have produced a string of good results to sit second in the Premier League table.