Arsenal ace Santi Cazorla is on the brink of making a return to first-team football.
The Spanish star, 28, has been out of action for the Gunners since he injured his ankle on duty for Spain.
But the Emirates favourite says he is not too far off full recovery. And with a hectic fixture pile-up on the horizon that is brilliant news for manager Arsene Wenger.
Cazorla said: “I’m not far away from being free from pain and discomfort. It was a blow when I learned I’d have to miss a month of football, but that’s when you need to be patient. However, I want to recover before the scheduled time.
“Of course, experience is key and you have to pay attention to what the doctors tell you and what your body is telling you.”
Meanwhile, the attacking midfielder has revealed that he was stunned to learn that Real Madrid agreed to sell Mesut Ozil to the club.
He added: “I couldn’t believe it. But not just because he was coming to play for us. That Madrid could have let him go. He’s a brilliant signing for Arsenal, an exquisite player who has come here with a humble attitude and with the ambition of doing great things at the club.
“Without a doubt, he’s a unique player, he’s got the touch of a genius about him. Özil had some outstanding games in a Madrid shirt.
“The Madrid president has done great things for the club, signing spectacular players. I know that the fans were angry over the decision to sell, but without knowing all the details, he would have had his reasons.”
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