Santi Cazorla has described this season as the worst of his career, and revealed that he’s had eight operations on his Achilles since November.

The Spanish international aggravated a long-standing problem against Ludogorets that month, and while it was hoped he would recover quickly, he didn’t play again.

His problem required surgery, then more surgery because of complications, and he’s been under the knife a whopping eight times since then, including another one this week.

Speaking to Cadena Ser, Cazorla said, “It’s been a difficult season. Since I last played in November, I’ve been through surgery eight times, the last one yesterday, and hopefully everything will go well.”

Explaining what had gone wrong, he continued, “I have had complications: I picked up bacteria in the operating room, the bone got an infection, the scar did not close and I had a skin graft.

“You feel like throwing in the towel, but desire to play football comes above all else.”

He also spoke about how the club and Arsene Wenger had supported him during such a difficult period by taking up the option to extend his contract for another year

“They were very good to me,” he said. “They renewed me before I operated, the boss talked to me and gave me peace of mind.”

As for when he might return, there’s still not much clarity.

“I have not been told deadlines,” he said. “It is very difficult to put exact dates, but I don’t think it will be more than five months.”

All we can do is wish him well, and hope he manages to make a full recovery.