It had been hoped the playmaker, who scored twice during Arsenal's impressive opening to the new campaign, would be able to recover without going under the knife.

However, the club announced in a statement on Thursday afternoon that he would need to undergo an operation.

"Santi Cazorla is travelling to Sweden early next week to undergo surgery to his right ankle," a statement on www.arsenal.com said.

"The club's medical team and specialists have decided that surgery is required to the plantaris tendon in the Spain international's right foot.

"The problem has not progressed during a rehabilitation programme following the injury during the home match with Ludogorets on October 19.

"We expect Santi's full recovery to take approximately three months.

"Everyone at the club will be working hard with Santi to make sure he's back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home by Southampton in their EFL Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night.

The Gunners currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of Saturday's trip to West Ham.