Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla for his strength bravery as details emerged of the playmaker’s traumatic bid to return from injury.
Cazorla has not played for Arsenal since October 2016 and revealed in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca that he almost had to have his foot amputated due to a gangreen infection after losing eight inches of his Achilles tendon.
The Spaniard also told of how doctors prepared him for the worst case scenario:
If you get to walk again with your son in the garden, be satisfied, they told me
His club manager has come out in full support of him, though, as he battles to come back to action before the expiry of his Arsenal contract. Wenger said (via the Evening Standard):
He is extremely strong and brave, and behind his smile is a strength you would not guess. He is a very strong character, and everyone at Arsenal wishes him well and we hope to have him back soon
Cazorla signed for Arsenal from La Liga side Malaga in 2012 and has since made 180 appearances for the Gunners. Wenger also said of him:
I have been in touch with Santi throughout his rehab, and it has been extremely tough and testing for him,
If there is one guy who loves football passionately, loves to be on the pitch, and comes in with a smile every day when he is fit, it’s Santi Cazorla, so you know he suffers a lot not to be out there with the ball at his feet.
Cazorla is a two-time European Championship winner with his country, and has won two FA Cups since joining Arsenal five years ago.
