Santi Cazorla backs Juan Mata to reclaim Chelsea place

Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla believes that compatriot Juan Mata can win back his place in the Chelsea starting lineup.

The Spaniard has found game time hard to come by since Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but did start their 2-0 victory over Swindon Town in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

Mata is now expected to be back on the fringes of the team against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, but Cazorla has faith that the 25-year-old will reclaim his spot in the Blues first XI.

"After two spectacular years at Chelsea, being their best player, playing at a tremendous level and being one of the best players in the Premier League, football has changed for Mata from one year to the next," Cazorla told Sphera Sports.

"But he seems calm and convinced that he is going to change the situation and he has a lot of faith in himself. I think he will show that he is worth his place in the team at Chelsea, though it is difficult for him at the moment because going from being an important player to being on the bench is tough.

"As well as being a great player, he is a great friend for everything that we have been through together and I know that he is going through a tough time."

Cazorla is currently out injured for Arsenal.