Wenger: Cazorla’s injury is the worst I’ve ever seen

Cairo - 16 November 2017: Arsenal's French coach, Arsene Wenger, described Santi Cazorla's ankle injury as "the worst" he has ever seen, but was hopeful that the Spanish international could return to the pitch in January.

Cazorla, 32, has not played for Arsenal since October 2016, and has gone through the operating room eight times for his ‘Achilles tendon’ injury.

"It's the worst injury I've ever seen," Wenger said on Thursday during his weekly press conference two days before the London derby against Tottenham.

"What started with a pain in the Achilles tendon was then worse and worse," revealed the Gunners coach.

It was revealed in early November that a gangrene infection had "eaten" eight inches of the tendon and that the doctors had advised him to be grateful if he was able to walk again.

"I am aware of how much Cazorla loves to play soccer, and he loves to go out there every day, and I am very sorry for what happened to him, because it is incredible," he added.

"I saw him a month ago and I told him to prepare himself as best he could—he has a competent medical team at his side," explained Wenger, who confirmed that he did not speak to him recently, but was "hopeful that he will be available in January."