Santi Cazorla targets Arsenal return before end of season as he looks to earn new contract

The Spaniard was filmed training at the Emirates last week

Santi Cazorla is hoping he will be fit enough to feature in an Arsenal team managed by Arsene Wenger one last time as he steps up his recovery from an Achilles injury.

The 33-year-old has not played since October 2016 after complications with the injury which has needed several surgeries and a skin graft from his arm.

It had not been known when Cazorla would be back but he was filmed training on the Emirates Stadium pitch last week ahead of the first-leg Europa League draw with Atletico Madrid.

He is continuing to step up his rehabilitation and spent some time at former club Real Oviedo this week but is hoping return before the end of the season as he looks to earn a new contract before it expires in the summer.

“I've still got some way to go, because after being sidelined for 18 months, everything has to be done in its own time. But the sensations I have keep getting better and I'm feeling optimistic about the future,” said Cazorla, quoted by Spanish media outlet AS.

“The objective is to play some part with the team before the season ends, but we have to take things carefully.

“After being out for so long it will take a while to get back into form, it's a real struggle, but when you have been out like I have, you also notice pains elsewhere - apart from what I've had with my tendon.

“But all of that must mean that I am doing things right, and I hope to be back as soon as possible.”