Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that midfielder Santi Cazorla will not be fit in time to feature for the club this season.

While Cazorla has returned to training after being out for more than a year, he is not fit enough to play any part in the remainder of the Premier League season.

Cazorla suffered a series of setbacks in his recovery from an ankle injury, requiring multiple operations in the past two years.

Wenger said of the 33-year-old during his press conference: "It's a shame. I brought him here and I love the player and the person.

"He looks quite good, prepares well, runs well, but medically it's too much of a risk to rush him back."

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a return to his homeland with Villarreal.