Arsenal: Let’s be realistic about the return of Santi Cazorla

Arsenal may be welcoming Santi Cazorla back at long last, but let’s just remind ourselves that, while wonderful, this isn’t the key to paradise.

Arsenal fans have spent two long years dreaming about how Santi Cazorla would have never allowed the team to sink to the state that it’s in. Call it a bit of fanciful regret, as fans are known to engage in.

As is usually the case with Gooners, when it goes wrong, it’s easiest to just cling to one or two ideals and believe that that one thing changed the way things played out. Cazorla is a positive spin on all of the negativity.

That said, Cazorla is back at the Colney! Not just that, but he could potentially make a cameo before the end of the year, which would be such a welcome lift at such an unsure time in this historic club’s tenure.

Related Story: 5 Things Learned Against Manchester United

However, for as wonderful as this all is, and for as happy as we should certainly be, I must urge that we all approach his return with a good helping of moderation. As in, try your best not to sell out on this being the key to the future, or this being exactly the thing we’ve been waiting for.

I’m not trying to be a party pooper, but let’s be realistic. He’s been out of commission for two years. In those two years he almost had to have his foot amputated and many assumed he’d never play again. Rust is the term we normally apply to it, but given the severity of the injury, rust is a bit tame.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

I think, given the current status of the club and how little is known about the immediate future, that most fans are already on board with this way of thinking. But just in case, let me also remind you that a new boss is coming in that is not going to be as emotionally attached to these players as Arsene Wenger is.

In tandem with that, Cazorla’s contract is up at the end of the year, and there is no guarantee that he will actually play for Arsenal again.

Seriously, I’m not trying to be a party pooper. Honestly, just seeing Cazorla play again, wherever he plays, will be a joy. I’m just mildly concerned that it won’t be with the Gunners. Because we have so many other contracts to deal with that concern over Santi Cazorla, who has spent nearly two years recovering and is now in his twilight years, may not be a top priority.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Atletico Madrid

I’m not saying if that’s right or wrong, but we need to be realistic about his return.