Arsene Wenger compares Granit Xhaka to Arsenal midfielder

Arsene Wenger believes that Granit Xhaka has the ability to help fill the void left by the injured Santi Cazorla for Arsenal, despite accepting that their styles of play are different.

Cazorla is set to be sidelined for at least two months after Arsenal confirmed last week that the Spanish playmaker requires surgery on his troublesome ankle.

Xhaka is currently getting used to life at Arsenal following his transfer to the north London club from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer.

The Swiss midfielder has earned praise for his performances in the middle of the park for the Gunners in recent weeks.

Xhaka could be set to be called upon more often during the hectic festive period in the Premier League following the news of Cazorla’s absence.

However, Wenger believes that the 24-year-old has the necessary quality to help fill the void left by Cazorla.

Speaking to Arsenal’s website, Wenger said: “We are close with the balance as Xhaka in midfield is moving upwards.

“He has a different influence to Santi. Santi is more of a guy who gets out of very tight situations with a very short technique, right and left foot, while Xhaka has a pass and is not a dribbler. He passes through the lines.”

MORE: The latest Arsenal news and views

MORE: The latest Arsenal player tweets

Arsenal travel to FC Basel in their final Champions League group game on Tuesday night.