Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla admits that he is frustrated with the 2016/17 season which has just ended. The Spain international deserves the frustration he has played only 11 times in all competitions, scoring two goals and three assists.
Cazorla himself spent more time on the sidelines due to the Achilles injury he had suffered since November, and he practically missed Arsenal’s success in winning the FA Cup trophy at the end of the season.
Speaking to Cadena Ser, Cazorla said: “Yesterday was a difficult season. I last played in November. I even had surgery eight times, the last one yesterday, and hopefully everything will get better. “
Explaining What Was Wrong With Him in 2016/17 Season
Cazorla added: “I had complications. I got bacteria in the operating room, my bones got infected, the scar didn’t close and it rotted my skin.
“You feel like giving up, but my determination to keep playing the ball is above all.”
Cazorla Has Not Seen Action Since October 2016
Since suffering an ankle injury last October, Cazorla has never returned to action. The Spanish playmaker has not been in action with the Gunners since October last year due to an ankle injury and muscle problems.
The healing process was also hampered several times.
Cazorla required eight operations to restore her condition, including one of which had to undergo skin graft surgery on her face after contracting a bacterial infection.
Some reports say that Cazorla will not be able to return to playing football normally again due to the complexity of the recovery process, but the 32-year-old is still optimistic that he will return to competition.
He Rejects The Notion of Early Retirement
Santi Cazorla rejects the suggestion that he should retire early following a long injury, even though he admits there is still a long way to go to grazing with Arsenal.
“Don’t pay attention to that rumors about my early retirement,” Cazorla told Onda Cero.
“Those who want me to retire will see me play again. I will come back. I don’t know how far it is from coming back but I am sure that I will return to playing football again and be at my best level.”
“I’m working hard and hope to be back as soon as possible. I’m sure that I’ll be back.”
Cazorla added: “The thing is, they [the rumors] don’t know what happened. The worst is in my head. But I went to Spain, they found bacteria and now the problem is solved.”
“It looks like the operation has been completed. Now I am very happy to have started the recovery process that I wanted.”
“I started the recovery process two weeks ago. It’s still a long way [from coming back]. I don’t have the strength in the tendons and muscle mass. It took time, but I’m happy with the 15 days of recovery so far.
“I’m fine but I don’t want to set a target date for when to come back because if I can’t fulfill it it will be a big problem,” he concluded.
Arsenal Considered Replacement For Cazorla
Arsenal have considered being able to bring in Pablo Fornals from Malaga, who will be projected as a substitute for Santi Cazorla.
The Gunners’ interest in the 21-year-old Spanish midfielder arises because the player has a similar playing style to Cazorla, according to a report reported by The Sun.
Fornals has so far not opened the possibility of moving despite interest from Valencia, but with the interest of Arsenal’s camp it is likely to change his mind.
Arsene Wenger himself really wants to add to the quality of his squad with a promising array of ammunition, even though the future of the amanjer at the Emirates Stadium has yet to find a bright spot.
Fornals have been able to break into Malaga’s main squad competition since last season under the direction of Juande Ramos and made their international debut with Spain last May in a friendly match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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