Arsenal injury return: Santi Cazorla to make first appearance since November in Under-21s play-off

Back in action: Cazorla will feature in the Under-21 clash with Blackburn
James Benge3 May 2016

Santi Cazorla is set to make his first appearance for an Arsenal side since late-November tonight when he joins the Under-21s for their promotion play-off with Blackburn Rovers.

The Spaniard has been unavailable for Arsene Wenger since injuring his knee during a 1-1 draw with Norwich on November 29. During his lengthy rehab from the ligament damage Cazorla also suffered damage to his Achilles, delaying his return until it was too late to aid Arsenal’s season.

Whilst Cazorla was on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 victory over the Canaries at the Emirates he was not expected to appear unless the result was secure. Ultimately Wenger chose to introduce defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin for his third and final change as his side looked to repel Norwich.

Cazorla will, however, appear at the Emirates against Blackburn as Steve Gatting’s side look to earn promotion to the top division of the U21 competition.

Arsenal vs Norwich Player Ratings

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He will likely also be joined by more peripheral first-team squad players including Calum Chambers and Gatting hopes his side can make the step up into the top division.

“We want to be in Division One with the top clubs like the Manchester teams,” he said. “It is not the end of the world if it does not happen. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen - we will go on.

“It is a difficult league and it has been a challenge for the boys, which is what we really want. The league is there to develop them into first-team players.”

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