Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is targeting a return to first-team action and hopes 'to be back soon' following a nightmare spell on the sidelines through injury.
Cazorla has been ruled out of action since last October after he suffered an ankle injury during the 6-0 win over Ludogorets in the Champions League.
The Spanish star was expected back in action with a few days, but the injury was a lot worse than first feared and Cazorla was forced to undergo surgery on his Achilles tendon.
After a number of setbacks, the 32-year-old was forced to miss the rest of the season and was badly missed as the Gunners missed out on a top four finish and a place in the Champions League next season.
Reports earlier in the summer even suggested that Cazorla might not even play for the Gunners again, but he strongly refuted those claims and is now closing in on a return to full fitness.
The talented midfielder revealed he 'felt like throwing in the towel', but his desire to keep playing at the highest level motivates him to prove his critics wrong.
Cazorla has now posted a picture on his Instagram account showing him working hard in the gym and posted the folowing: "To be back soon...important to have a good balance!"
The news will come as a major boost to Arsene Wenger who is desperate to see his influential midfielder back in action.
Cazorla will miss the start of the new season but Arsenal fans could see him back in action in October.