Arsenal's Santi Cazorla hoping to return to action for 2019
The midfielder, 33, has been unavailable for selection since October 2016 having undergone the 10th operation of his career
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla has admitted he has considered “throwing in the towel” during his efforts to recover from an ankle injury but is still hoping to return to action for 2019.
The midfielder, 33, has been unavailable for selection since October 2016 having undergone the 10th operation of his career. Through a succession of surgeries the Spaniard has lost eight centimetres from the tendon in his right ankle.
Cazorla has yet to be offered an extension by Arsenal, with his current contract set to expire in the summer, but the player remains confident he will be able to return to top-flight football at some point in the future.
"There have been moments when I've thought about throwing in the towel. I've thought things like 'maybe it is not worth continuing'," the Spain international told RTVE.
"If things go well, maybe next year I can play at the top level again.
"The last surgery was seven weeks ago, and my tenth in total. The first surgery was risky because I took many corticosteroids and the skin deteriorated.
"Then a skin graft was proposed and after that, the infection ate my tendon."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments