Cazorla Unsure of Arsenal Return Date

In an announcement sure to worry Arsenal fans, Santi Cazorla has admitted that he is “far” from returning to the squad.

The Spanish international has been unable to play since October last year after an injury to his Achilles tendon. He suffered the injury during a match against Ludogorets in the 2016 Champions League.

Cazorla has since undergone eight surgeries on his heel, and spent a significant amount of time unable to walk.

Cazorla explained the need for so many surgeries: “The problem that I have had up until now is that the doctors didn’t know what problem I had. They operated and operated and the wound kept opening. And then the doctor found the bacteria, I had to go in for more surgeries, but at least we knew what it was. Now I have to slowly come back to training but the danger of the bacteria has passed.”

The 32-year-old midfielder doesn’t know when he will be able to play again, but he has vowed to return to The Gunners at his “previous level” eventually.

Cazorla has also spoken out about the difficulty and loneliness he has experienced since being injured, and the emotional toll it’s taken to be forced to watch from the sidelines.

The Spaniard has denied reports that he will never play again, and says that he is currently back in the gym, and building up his fitness.