Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is eyeing a return from the injuries that have almost driven him to retirement over the last 15 months.
Cazorla last played for the Gunners in October, 2016 during a Champions League victory over Ludogorets and has come close to retiring from the beautiful game altogether after various setbacks in his recovery.
The Spain international is currently recovering from a 10th operation on a problematic ankle injury, which at one point almost led to his foot being amputated.
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The latest surgery, which took place seven weeks ago, was believed to have been successful and now the former Malaga man is hopeful of representing the Gunners once again.
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Speaking to RTVE, Cazorla said, "There have been moments when I've thought about throwing in the towel. I've thought things like 'maybe it is not worth continuing'.
"If things go well, maybe next year I can play at the top level again.
"The last surgery was seven weeks ago, and my tenth in total. The first surgery was risky because I took many corticosteroids and the skin deteriorated.
"Then a skin graft was proposed and after that, the infection ate my tendon".
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So while a return to first team action is still some way off for 33-year-old, at least he is remaining positive about his chances of playing for Arsenal again, which will come as a welcome relief for Gunners fans everywhere.
Cazorla has made 180 appearances for Arsenal since arriving in North London from Malaga, in 2012. The Spaniard has scored 29 goals in that time and won two FA Cups.
(H/T The Mirror)
Topics: Football News, Football, Santi Cazorla, Premier League, Arsenal