Santi Cazorla suggested he is near a return to action by providing an assist for the Arsenal U21 side on Tuesday evening.

The Spanish midfielder has not played for the Gunners since late November after sustaining an Achilles injury but was on the bench for the weekend's 1-0 win over Norwich City.

Cazorla, who got through 60 minutes, put his best foot forward ahead of a possible first-team return against Manchester City on Sunday by producing an assist for the first of Chris Willock's double in the 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers' U21s at the Emirates Stadium.

Joining Cazorla in Steve Gatting's side were Calum Chambers, Tomas Rosicky and Serge Gnabry who all received valuable game time as the young Gunners secured their place in the Division 1 play-off finals of the U21 Premier League.