Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla reveals all on injury hell but vows to return from Achilles problem after EIGHT operations
Spanish midfielder remains adamant he will be back for the Gunners... but admits it will take time
SANTI CAZORLA has opened his heart on his injury nightmare - and admitted fearing he would never play for Arsenal again.
The Spanish midfielder has been sidelined by Achilles tendon problems since last October.
He underwent EIGHT operations as doctors battled a mystery infection in his ankle.
Cazorla returned to the gym to work on his fitness earlier this week. He hopes to return to Arsene Wenger's first team in the near future.
A £10million buy from Malaga in 2012, the 32-year-old has since made 180 Gunners appearances - scoring 29 goals.
Speaking to Onda Cero, Cazorla said: "I don't know how long it will take me to return, but I am convinced that I will be back soon.
"I ended up thinking that I would never again play football at my current level. I would come out of the operating theatre with everything fine, then have a relapse.
"I don't have any strength in my Achilles tendon, or any muscle mass. It will take time.
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"I don't want to set a date for my comeback, as I don't know whether I will be able to keep to it.
"Bacteria got into the scar tissue after my operation. The doctors did not know too much about the problem I had, although it seems to be solved now.
"Going into the operating theatre ended up feeling normal to me.
"The doctors told me they probably hadn't seen a case like mine for quite some time. This is unusual for a professional sportsman.
"My son asks me every day whether I will be able to play once again. I'm very eager to get back out on the pitch, and I hope it will be soon."
Cazorla, capped 77 times, said he has drawn inspiration from Villarreal keeper Sergio Asenjo.
The 28-year-old has recovered well since a knee ligament injury suffered against Real Madrid in February ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Cazorla added: "I was surprised just how good a shape Sergio Asenjo was in when I saw him recently.
"He is an example to us all. There couldn't be a better role model than him."
