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