Arsenal’s injury-plagued midfielder Santi Cazorla has confirmed that he had his contract renewed prior to a series of operations on an Achilles injury.
The Spain international had made a bright start to the campaign with the Gunners until he broke down with some discomfort during the 6-0 Champions League hammering of Ludogorets in October.
Cazorla has since undergone a surgery on his recurring problem, and this has literally kept him out of action for the rest of the campaign, thereby denting the Gunners’ prospects of competing for the title.
Speaking to Cadena Cope, the 32-year-old revealed that he has undergone eight operations for the same problem after he suffered an infection during his initial surgery.
Despite his continuous injury concerns, Cazorla is still delighted to be part of the Gunners setup after manager Arsene Wenger showed his faith in his services by rewarding a fresh one-year extension.
“They were very good to me, they renewed me before my operation, the manager talked to me and gave me peace of mind,” he told Cadena Cope “It’s been a difficult season since I have not played since November. I’ve been through surgery eight times.
“I had the last one yesterday, and hopefully everything will go well.”
Cazorla had suffered a similar Achilles injury during the previous campaign as well, and his latest statement suggests that he could be out for the first half of next season.
Granit Xhaka has formed an excellent alongside Aaron Ramsey at the heart of the midfield, and there is a sense that Cazorla may not be missed dearly with the aforementioned duo having comfortably adapted to the 3-4-2-1 setup.
Meanwhile, Arsenal made their long-awaited decision on Arsene Wenger’s future after rewarding the 67-year-old with a two-year renewal on his previous deal, which was due to expire this month.
