The real reason why crocked Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has been injured for a year
Spaniard was initially ruled out of action for three weeks when he damaged his Achilles in a match last October
FORGOTTEN Arsenal favourite Santi Cazorla has endured a year from hell with injuries.
The Spaniard hasn't played for the Gunners since October 2016 when he damaged his Achilles in a Champions League match against Ludogorets.
He was initially ruled out for just three weeks but 11 months later and Cazorla is still expected to be out of action until at least the New Year.
The crocked 32-year-old has sparked speculation amongst fans that he won't be able to play again but Cazorla has quashed the rumours.
And it hasn't just been a dodgy Achilles that has sidelined him for so long.
Cazorla apparently recovered from his initial injury in February but has endured EIGHT different surgeries following a string of setbacks.
According to Seraphin health, Cazorla has been plagued with skin issues, an open wound and a bone infection.
They claim it took until December to determine the main source of his pain before undergoing his first surgery later that month.
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Then a whole host of complications occurred leaving Cazorla to fight for his future.
He only started running earlier this month as boss Arsene Wenger admitted he is hopeful that Cazorla will return after Christmas.
The Frenchman said: "The flexibility of his ankle is good, his mobility is good, he is getting back to full fitness without many set-backs but overall it's difficult to set a time.
"Not before Christmas – that’s why I didn’t involve him in the Europa League - but I hope after Christmas he will be available."