Santi Cazorla has been sidelined for Arsenal since October 2016 due to a severe problem with his Achilles.
The midfielder has already received multiple treatments and today revealed he had undergone his ninth operation after suffering yet another setback.
And his Spain team-mate Sergio Ramos was quick to offer the 32-year-old some support and encouraging words of advice.
“Friend, soccer is in debt to you,” the Real Madrid captain wrote on Twitter.
“Head high and cheer up. We’re with you. Lots of encouragement and a strong hug, bro.”
Despite the injury setback, Cazorla remained upbeat and admitted he had no intention of calling time on his playing career.
“There is some discomfort in the tendon that has emerged over the last few days,” the Gunners midfielder said.
“I have had to undergo surgery. It is delaying the date of my return to the training ground.”
“I still have the motivation and the hope of being able to return to enjoy my great passion, football.”
Speaking earlier this month about Cazorla’s Achilles injury, Arsene Wenger claimed it was the worst he had ever seen.
“It is the worst injury (I have seen),” the Arsenal boss said.
“It started with a pain in the Achilles and it has gone from worse to worse and I must say I know how much Santi loves to play football and loves to be out there every day and I feel very sorry for what happened to him.
“It is unbelievable.”