UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Cazorla stricken by back surgery

Villarreal CF midfielder Santi Cazorla will play no part in this month's UEFA Europa League round of 32 tie against VfL Wolfsburg after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back.

Santi Cazorla (left) has been troubled by back pain all season
Santi Cazorla (left) has been troubled by back pain all season ©Getty Images

Villarreal CF midfielder Santi Cazorla will play no part in this month's UEFA Europa League round of 32 tie against VfL Wolfsburg after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back.

With the 25-year-old complaining of back pain since the beginning of the season, a decision was made to operate after the club learned that a thigh injury was set to rule him out for a month regardless. The Spanish international is now expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. "If [he] hadn't had this problem with his thigh he could have played until the end of the season," club doctor Juan Albors explained. "Having said that, [back] surgery was something we would have had to carry out at some stage so we're happy it's now done." The Yellow Submarine meet Wolfsburg on 18 and 25 February.