Santi Cazorla targets return to first-team training in next fortnight

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 27 April 2018

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla could feature for the first team before the end of the season, having targeted a return to training in the first half of May.

Santi Cazorla has revealed that he aims to be involved in first-team training within the next fortnight, giving him hope of landing a new Arsenal contract.

The 33-year-old fan favourite has not featured for the Gunners since October 2016 and underwent a 10th operation on his ankle at the end of last year.

After previously hinting that Cazorla would not be offered fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium this summer, Arsene Wenger has since left the door open for the former Spain international to prove his fitness.

To the surprise of many, Cazorla was put through his paces in a light training session on the Emirates Stadium field prior to Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night, and the midfielder could yet feature competitively before the season is over.

Asked by beIN Sports when he intends to make his comeback, the 33-year-old said: "Not right now! It feels good. I hope I'll be back in full training in maybe two weeks. It's a challenge but a positive one."

Cazorla revealed in January that he had previously considered retiring from football following a number of injury setbacks.