Santi Cazorla Suffers Fresh Injury Setback

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has suffered a set-back to his return to first team football after undergoing another surgery on his injured ankle.

The 32-year-old confirmed he has lost eight centimetres of his Achilles tendon as a result, and feared he may lose his foot after suffering an infection earlier this month.

He was forced to have skin removed from his arm and grafted onto his leg.

A statement on his social media accounts read: “Some discomfort in the tendon that had dragged the last few days, I have had to undergo surgery. It is delaying the date of return to the playing fields, I maintain the illusion and motivation to enjoy my great passion, soccer.”

Cazorla last played for the Gunners in October 2016, two months before having his initial operation.

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, stated earlier that his star midfielder could be available in the new year, but it is now unclear when the Spaniard will make his comeback.

Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, Manchester United’s Juan Mata and Valencia’s Gabriel Paulista are among those to have sent messages of support to Cazorla.