After Danny Welbeck’s return gave Arsenal a much-needed boost in the race for the title, it now seems as though another long-term absentee is closing in on a return. Gunners midfielder Santi Cazorla is recovering well from knee surgery and has penciled down the second leg against Barcelona in the Champions League as a potential return date.
As quoted by ESPN, Santi said: “I want to come back, it is hard to be outside and not be able to help. Even more in a game as important as this against Barca. My objective is to be back for the second leg. The knee is improving all the time, and I hope to make it.”
The playmaker has been out since November after sustaining a serious knee injury during the game against Norwich and his return will surely provide a massive boost for Arsene Wenger’s side. The Spaniard’s creativity, distribution and midfield running have all been missed immensely during his spell on the sidelines and one can only hope that Santi hits the ground running once he’s back.
If he achieves his target of returning to first-team action in time for Arsenal’s visit to the Nou camp, then he will be available for the last eight games of the season and will surely give the side a gigantic lift in the race for the Premier League title. The player is simply world-class and his return to action can really be a detrimental factor in Arsenal’s pursuit of the title.
But even with the return of the former Malaga man, it is difficult to see Arsenal getting past Barcelona and even more so, going all the way in the Champions League. But with a League and Cup double most certainly a realistic target, here’s hoping that Santi can return to action as quickly as possible and weave his magic on the pitch.