Arsenal fear Santi Cazorla's playing career could be over after midfielder's ninth surgery on Achilles injury
- Santi Cazorla has now had nine operations in a year to fix his Achilles problem
- Midfielder almost lost his foot to a gangrene infection during the long recovery
- Cazorla's current contract at Arsenal is set to expire at the end of the season
- The Spaniard tweeted to say he 'maintains hope and motivation to play again'
Arsenal fear Santi Cazorla may not resume his playing career as it emerged the midfielder has undergone another operation.
There have been long-standing concerns behind the scenes at the Emirates Stadium that the extent of Cazorla's Achilles injury will prevent the brilliant playmaker from playing professional again.
The injury is said to be one of the very worst the Gunners medical team have had to deal with in recent history. Indeed, Cazorla admitted earlier this year that he nearly lost his foot after contracting an infection.
Arsenal will give Santi Cazorla every chance to recover from the injury and return to action
And the fact Cazorla, who previously had a skin graft on the damaged Achilles, has gone under the knife again has only served to strengthen fears that the Spaniard may never play again.
Cazorla tweeted on Wednesday: 'Due to some discomfort in the tendon the last few days, I have had to undergo surgery.
'It is delaying the date of my return to the field. I maintain my hope and motivation to enjoy my great passion, football.'
Cazorla tweeted this photo accompanied by a message announcing his latest injury setback
Arsene Wenger will give the 32-year-old every opportunity to get his career back up and running, but the latest development paints a bleak picture.
It was hoped that Cazorla maybe able to make a playing return early in 2018, but his latest setback will certainly delay any possible return to the pitch.
Cazorla's current deal expires at the end of the season.
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