Returning with an assist during his 60 minute appearance for Arsenal u21s on Tuesday evening, Santi Cazorla is relieved to be back.

The midfielder hadn’t played since November but was an unused sub for the Gunners at the weekend. He wasn’t needed as the first team defeated Norwich City but was called upon in midweek.

A crucial semi-final play-off against Blackburn Rovers u21s saw the Gunners win 2-1, keeping promotion hopes alive.

“I’m very happy to be back,” Cazorla said after the game, before setting his sights on a place in the first team before the season ends.

“It is a great feeling after five months. I need to keep up the hard work with my teammates in the first team and I want to play the last two games.”

Arsenal face Aston Villa on the final day of the season but have an incredibly difficult away trip to Manchester City before then. The Spain international, however, isn’t daunted and hopes to play on Sunday.

“I would like to help the first team at the weekend against Manchester City. [Arsène Wenger] has the decision, but I will try to play at the weekend. We need to win the last two games as we want to finish in the top four.

“We need to fight until the end to try to get second place. If we win the last two games, we can do that. I want to help my team-mates.”