What should Arsenal do about the Cazorla question?

Santi Cazorla is one of Arsenal’s most influential and creative players, there is no doubt about it. The Spaniard has been an excellent player for the club since joining in 2012 and the difference he brings to the team on a match day is well recognised.

Cazorla spent a lot of last season ruled out with injury and it was devastating news. As Cazorla gets older in his professional career, we all expected the player to make less appearances on the pitch; after all that’s just part of football. However to have now lost Cazorla for almost two entire seasons is very disappointing and it raises questions about whether he can prove his fitness to remain at the club.

Cazorla was a regular player for the Gunners this season, prior to his injury. The 32 year old began limping due to an ankle concern during Arsenal’s win over Ludogorets in the Champions League. The match took place in October and he was originally assessed to hopefully be back in time for the New Year. Now however we find ourselves almost in March and he’s now ruled out for the season.

The time spent out with injury both this season and the last, has proven just how important Cazorla is to this side. Cazorla’s regular presence in the team may be a missing element for Arsenal’s success. I mean, based off one goal alone, where would Arsenal be without that Cazorla free kick against Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final?

It’s a big blow to find out that Cazorla is extremely unlikely to make a return to the pitch this season. Wenger was hoping that the Spaniard would be back before the end of the campaign, having undergo specialist treatment and surgery in an attempt to nurse the player’s ankle injury. However it’s just not to be.

Cazorla’s contract is running out and with Arsenal reportedly keen on seeing his fitness capabilities before offering a new deal, where does this leave Cazorla’s career at Arsenal?

By AH

5 Comments

  1. Keep Carzola for one more season because his valuable and the young lads can learn from him.

    However lets go into the market for a replacement as such injuries at his age don’t go easily. Lets try Isco though his Madrid’s sweetheart or Saul from Athletico who I feel can play that position well too.

    Lets be sensible on this one, we already messed up with the Xhaka purchase this time around lets get a “proven” midfielder as Jack, Ramsey, and now Elneny and Coq cannot lead us to a title.

    1. I agree 100% that we have to look for a replacement for Cazorla. It would be foolish to build our season around a player often injured and near the end of his career. Having said that, Isco? To me, Isco is a completely different type of player.

  2. Don’t build your plans for next season around a fit Cazorla.

    Having said that, despite Arsenal only having 3 injured players and sitting only 14th in the injury table, this once again raises questions about our medical department.

    Is it a coincidence that now that Wilshire plays for a different club that he seems available for action all the time? It would be interesting to see if Wilshire were to return next season and regain a starting role if he would get injured again. This would surely reflect bad on our training methods or medical department or more likely a combination of the two.

  3. I want Santi to stay as our off the bench player..he can make an impact when we need that bit of a difference and when he retire i would love him as a coach, he can teach and pass on so much knowledge.

    We do need a first team replacement for him I wouldnt mind Max Meyer similar in build and playing style or if want to go for someone under the rader who can do a more effective box to box I would say Leon Goretzka he reminds me of a young is Sergio Busquets..Can break up play..lay of a decent pass..get physical in the battles..has good dribbling and footwork… will track back aswell as push forward..and has scored a few goals..

    Someone like him would bring up initial ?? like Marcos Alonso did but i believe he will silence everyone in the same manner consistent performance

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