JAMIE REDKNAPP has lavished praise on Santi Cazorla and insists Arsenal are missing him big time.
The Spaniard is sidelined with injury and hasn’t played for the Gunners since their 6-0 win over Ludogorets last month.
Arsenal have found it tough without him in the centre of midfield and have endured a difficult November with three draws.
And ahead of their trip to Bournemouth today, Redknapp declared his admiration for the 31-year-old.
“It will be a difficult afternoon for Arsenal, who have midfield issues of their own. One player they sorely miss is Santi Cazorla,” he told Sky Sports.
Arsenal's predicted team to face Bournemouth
Fri, November 25, 2016Express Sport predicts Arsenal's line-up to face Bournemouth in their Premier League clash at the Emirates on Sunday (2.15pm)
Express Sport predicts how Arsenal's starting XI will look when the Gunners face Bournemouth at the Emirates on Sunday (2.15pm)
“He's one of my favourite players in the league. I love watching him play and when he's not there they are a different team. He offers so much skill and guile.”
Redknapp went on to suggest Granit Xhaka could feature in Arsene Wenger's starting XI.
The Switzerland international has struggled to hit the ground running in north London since his £30m summer move from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Redknapp believes if you spend big money on a player then he has to be included in crucial matches against the likes of Manchester United.
Arsenal training pictures ahead of Bournemouth game
Sat, November 26, 2016Click through the gallery for the best snaps from Arsenal training
Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Arsenal in training
Xhaka only got 10 minutes from the bench in their 1-1 draw against the Red Devils this month - a decision the former Liverpool player struggled to understand.
“Maybe Granit Xhaka will get another chance,” Redknapp added.
“I was staggered that he wasn't included against United. When you pay £30-odd million for a midfielder, surely that's the kind of game you want him to play?
“Wenger might look back at that and think it was a mistake, but the sooner Cazorla is back the better.”
A win against the Cherries today would see the them close the gap on leaders Chelsea to three points.