Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla has confirmed he is far from his return to playing. Cazorla is a wonderfully gifted player and consistently performs whenever he is called upon. But the 32-year-old has struggled with injuries during his time at Arsenal, and his latest set back, which has seen him away from action for 9 months, looks set to hinder him from playing any part in the beginning of next season.

Cazorla suffered an achilles injury that has needed multi surgeries to repair, and with the new Premier League season looming, the Spaniard told Spanish radio station Ondo Cero about his progress – saying he cannot confirm a date of when he might return:

“I started my recovery two weeks ago. I’m still far [from playing]. I do not have strength in my tendon or muscle mass,”

“I am fine but I do not want to set a return date because if I can’t fulfil it would be a big blow. I only think about the day to day. I really want to play again and I will work to get back as soon as possible.”

“I do not know how far I am [from returning] but I am convinced that I am going to play football again and at my best level. I am working on it and hopefully, it can be as soon as possible. I am convinced that I will come back.”

Cazorla is a fan favourite at Arsenal and always seems to bring positive results for the club whenever he is fit and ready to play.

Wenger will still feel he has the squad to contend for trophies and Cazorla would be a massive plus.

It’s been so frustrating to hear of Cazorla’s injury woes over the last year especially, but with the midfielder signing a new contract in May – a one-year extension, it is clear that he is still part of Wenger’s plans in someway or another.

Gooners will be hoping that somehow the creative Spanish midfielder will come back to full fitness sooner rather than later.