---
title: "Santi Cazorla hoping to make return in 2019"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2018/01/23/santi-cazorla-hoping-make-return-2019/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Features"
published: "2018-01-23T21:46:56Z"
modified: "2018-01-23T21:46:56Z"
---

# Santi Cazorla hoping to make return in 2019

Arsenal’s injury-stricken midfielder Santi Cazorla has revealed that he is targeting a return to first-team football in 2019.

The Spaniard has been desperately unfortunate with long-term injuries and has not played since late in 2016. Despite multiple operations, Cazorla has been unable to make a full recovery and take to the field since for Arsenal.

Cazorla, who is now 33-years-old, went under the knife for the 10th time last year as he aimed to finally put his injury worries with his ankle behind him.

In an interview with Spanish news outlet [RTVE](https://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/telediario/santi-cazorla-habido-momentos-tirar-toalla/4433101/), the experienced midfielder opened up about his future plans and confessed that he had considered retiring as a result of his relentless ankle problems.

![Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/615361202.jpg)

> There have been moments when I’ve thought about throwing in the towel. I’ve thought things like ‘maybe it is not worth continuing’. 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

Arsenal are not short of midfield options but the return of Cazorla for the New Year would certainly be a boost.

Prior to his injury, Cazorla was a key player for Arsenal and will hope that he still has a future at the club.