Spain and Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is facing a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of Euro 2016.
The Gunners had hoped to have Cazorla back in time for their Champions League last-16, second-leg trip to Barcelona on March 16 following a knee ligament problem.
However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has now revealed the playmaker has an Achilles problem and faces an extended spell out of the side.
“Santi is not doing too well. He has some Achilles problems that hold him back,” he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “His knee is doing well but his Achilles has inflamed a little bit and we have to put him off impact.
“We have to see now how he responds. He had always a little tendonitis on his Achilles and we have to see how he responds to that.”
Spanish reports now suggest Cazorla is a major doubt as La Roja seek a third successive title, with the reigning champions 6.00 to win Euro 2016.
Cazorla, 31, has 77 caps for his country and was included in their most recent squad for fixtures against Belgium and England, but if he misses out boss Vicente del Bosque has plenty of other options.
Manchester City’s David Villa and Real Madrid’s Isco were both absent for the friendly clashes and will be hoping for recalls ahead of Euro 2016.
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