The Spanish midfielder has been sidelined for the past 14 months with an achilles injury which required multiple surgery.

There was talk that he would return next month, which would be a huge boost to Arsene Wenger’s side as he looks set to lose Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

But those rumours were blown away quickly and it now looks likely he will sit out the rest off the season.

Arsenal supporters are desperate for their midfielder to return soon as Jack Wilshere also looks set for a move elsewhere in search of regular football.

And Pires has explained the pain that Cazorla is going through to try and get back before the end of the campaign.

"I've known Santi for a long time because we played together at Villarreal,” Pires told Marca. 

“He's my friend and I'm very disappointed for him because he's a great professional.

“He's had the surgery on his Achilles tendon so he's out for six months. 

“The situation is very difficult and I keep in contact with him."

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Newcastle on Saturday (3pm).