Santi Cazorla has claimed he will return for Arsenal in two months, a whole month quicker than first feared.
The midfielder injured the plantaris tendon in his right foot during the 6-0 victory over Ludogorets in the Champions League on October 19.
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Arsene Wenger has insisted Cazorla's return was being delayed only by inflammation, adding that he had suffered "no setback" before news of the three-month absence was delayed.
However, Cazorla revealed on Instagram that his doctor has predicted a two-month lay-off after undergoing surgery.
He said: "We found where the pain was coming from. The doctor said to me that it's a quick surgery and I will be back in two months."
Cazorla missed nearly five months of action with successive knee and Achilles injuries last season and will travel to Sweden early next week for the procedure.