Arsene Wenger refuses to rule out new contract for Santi Cazorla but confirms it will depend on his fitness

 

Arsene Wenger has admitted Santi Cazorla will only be offered a new Arsenal contract if he can prove his fitness 'at the top level'.

Cazorla, who has not played for Arsenal since October 2016 , recently revealed he had undergone a tenth operation since injuring his ankle. 

Asked whether the Spaniard would be offered a new deal, Wenger said: "That depends on his medical availability at the top level.

"We have to assess that until the end of the season - if Santi is fit and available to play, then yes. Of course, we have to see that," he added.

"The latest news is that he is supposed to come back now. He had his latest surgery and we have to see where we go from there.

"I sent him a message two weeks ago and wished him well, hoping to see him soon. He has not come back yet because he has just had surgery.
"The medical people know much better than I do whether he will play again in 2018 before the end of the season. Before the end of the season will be hard for him.
"That is why I tell you it is a complicated situation because first of all we love him, second of all he is a great football player but the third situation is that you need to be healthy today to play at the intensity that is needed in the Premier League.  So we have to see if he can absorb that or not."
azorla required a skin graft in November last year after an infection had "eaten" away at the Achilles tendon on his right leg following his ninth operation.

Earlier this season Arsene Wenger admitted the injury was the worst he has ever seen. 
“It has been extremely tough and testing for him,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger earlier this season. 
“He suffers a lot not to be out there with the ball. He is extremely strong and brave. Behind his smile is a strength you would not guess.”