Arsenal sweat over Santi Cazorla after knee ligament damage is confirmed

Santi Cazorla has damaged the ligaments in his knee, which has added to the sense of worry over his fitness prospects, although Arsenal are still unclear as to the precise time-frame for his absence.

The midfielder was hurt in the 46th minute at Norwich City on Sunday, when he appeared to jar the joint in a coming-together with Gary O’Neil and Arsène Wenger, the manager, did not know afterwards whether the ligament had been affected or if it was a kick to the nerve.

It has now been confirmed that the problem relates to the ligament and Arsenal are continuing to assess the fall-out. Cazorla has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League game at home to Sunderland and next Wednesday’s decisive Champions League tie at Olympiakos, and it would be a surprise if he were not out for longer