Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has opened up about his recent battle with injuries and has admitted that he won’t be available for the start of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign.
The 32-year-old midfielder hasn’t featured for the North London club since the Champions League group stage match against Ludogorets at the Emirates Stadium in October 2016.
Speaking with the Spanish sports radio program Cadena Ser El Larguero, Cazorla revealed that he had contemplated giving up on the game due to his injuries and he also mentioned that he may not return to action until November.
“It’s been the worst season of my career,” he said.
“You feel like throwing in the towel but my desire to play football is above everything.”
When asked about a possible return date, he stated: “It’s very difficult to put a date, but I don’t think it will be before five months.”
Arsenal struggled to find the right balance in the middle of the park throughout the entire season in Cazorla’s absence.
Players such as new recruit Granit Xhaka and Wales international Aaron Ramsey have been the preferred choices in midfield but they have failed to reach the same consistency levels of Cazorla.
The Spaniard was also very quick to point out how the club, and in particular, manager Arsene Wenger had helped him throughout his tough spell on the sidelines.
“They have been very good to me,” he stated.
“They gave me a contract extension before my surgery.
“The boss spoke to me and put my mind at ease.”
Cazorla only made 11 appearances in all competitions this season for the Gunners but he still managed to score two goals in the Premier League wins against Watford and Southampton.