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Arsene Wenger confirms key man is set to step-up his injury return

By on September 7, 2017

santi cazorla

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Santi Cazorla will step up his injury recovery today by returning to light running outside at London Conley.

Cazorla has endured a disastrous year as he’s been struggling to overcome an Achilles injury that he aggravated during our Champions League win over Ludogorets in October 2016.

The Spanish maestro was initially expected to be out for a matter of weeks but the injury has turned out to be a nightmare which has led to Santi undergoing a staggering EIGHT operations.

Thankfully, the injury is now on the mend and Cazorla has been working hard to rebuild the strength in his calf after losing considerable muscle mass over the past 10 months.

We’ve seen video’s of the midfielder working out in the gym and Wenger has confirmed that Cazorla is due to resume light running outside for the first time today.

Obviously that’s a big step, however, the 32-year-old is still a long way off a return to action as the boss says he doesn’t expect Cazorla to be available until after Christmas.

Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror:

On Santi Cazorla – is the injury career threatening?

No. Santi is having his first run today, so that is quite positive. The flexibility of the ankle looks good, his mobility is good. Now it’s about getting back to full fitness without having any set backs.

It’s very difficult to predict when he will be available again. It’s difficult to set a time. Not before Christmas, that’s why I didn’t involve him in the Europa League but after Christmas I hope he will be available.

On whether Santi can get back to the highest level

Yes, but he has not played for almost a year now. He has had a few surgeries so we are always cautious to set a time or date, but overall it looks positive.

Let’s pray Cazorla can enjoy a set-back free recovery over the coming months and get back to playing football as he’s been sorely missed over the past 10 months and it’s become clear that Santi is a key player for us while he’s been out of the team.