In the modern history of Arsenal, few players have filled the fans with more joy than Santi Cazorla.The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have all dazzled this decade, but the fleet-footed Spaniard just has something special.His ability to glide past players at will, turn on a sixpence, play a killer pass and work his socks off were crucial to the Gunners.He was the orchestrator in midfield and in his deeper role, he really did make Arsene Wenger's side tick.Sadly, injury problems have really caught up with in recent seasons, with his Achilles the main source of his woes.

CAZORLA'S PROLONGED ABSENCE

Last season, he was injured early on in the Champions League and has not featured since. A year-long absence followed, with a return date set for 2018.

At first his injury was thought to not be serious, but it has been revealed that he needed a number of surgical operations.

But, on Thursday evening, an image from Friday's edition of Marca done the rounds on Twitter showing a gruesome picture of his foot after it went gangrene.

IMAGE: MARCA REVEAL THE STATE OF SANTI'S FOOT

The poor, poor bloke.

The scarring is pretty horrific and the ink on his Achilles is actually a skin graft from his arm which had a tattoo of his daughters name.

Needless to say, Twitter entered sympathy mode and sent their best wishes to Cazorla as he tries to make a comeback.

TWITTER REACTS

Very, very sad to see.

Apparently, doctors actually considered amputating his foot at one stage and it was also thought that he may never walk again, let alone play.

He even lost an incredible eight centimetres from his tendon, yet more proof that he has gone through one of the worst ever injury nightmares in football.

WENGER'S OPTIMISM

Nevertheless, Wenger does believe the initial signs are that Cazorla could make a return to the first-team at some point.

A couple of weeks ago, he said: "The first signs are positive, but still he has not played for one and a half years.

"He is not in full training yet, he needs a few games with the reserve team. So I think if all goes well, it will be after Christmas."

I'm sure everyone who watches the sport of football hopes he is able to make a return to the pitch.