Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla steps up recovery as he claims he is getting 'closer' to a return to action

  • Santi Cazorla worked out as he returns to fitness ahead of the 2017-18 campaign
  • Cazorla last played in October in a 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets 
  • He had suffered repeated setbacks in his recovery from an achilles tendon injury

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has given fans a much-wanted update on his recovery as he shared a picture of himself during a workout at a gym back home in Spain.

Cazorla took to Instagram to post a photo of himself smiling in his gym gear, accompanied by the caption: 'Keep pushing!! One day more, one day closer! @arsenal @premierleague'.

Reports had suggested a return was still well away but the Spaniard has made it clear that such talk is wide of the mark.

Santi Cazorla posted a picture of himself inside the gym saying he was 'one day closer'

Santi Cazorla posted a picture of himself inside the gym saying he was 'one day closer'

The Spanish midfielder missed most of last season due to an ongoing ankle injury

The Spanish midfielder missed most of last season due to an ongoing ankle injury

The 32-year-old has been out injured since October, following the recurrence of an ankle problem during the 6-0 Champions League group-stage victory over Ludogorets.


The injury was initially thought to be just an ankle knock and he was expected to return within a few days for Arsene Wenger's side.

However Cazorla suffered a series of setbacks in his recovery and eventually required surgery on his achilles tendon.

It meant he was ruled out for the rest of the season - it was another campaign disrupted by injury following similar achilles problems in 2015-16.

Despite Cazorla's long-term injury, Arsenal took up the option to extend his contract for an extra year until 2018.

The 32-year-old has not played for Arsenal since October due to the problem 

The 32-year-old has not played for Arsenal since October due to the problem 

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