Red alert: Cazorla is hoping to return to first-team action within weeks
Red alert: Cazorla is hoping to return to first-team action within weeks
Match

Arsene Wenger claims only one of two returning Arsenal midfielders will play against Norwich

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

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By London correspondent Tony Hughes

Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are in contention to make their long-awaited returns for Arsenal on Saturday.

The Gunners host Norwich at Emirates Stadium in Saturday evening's Premier League clash as they aim to consolidate their place in the top four.

Arsene Wenger's side have slipped to fourth, behind third-placed Manchester City on goal difference, although they are still five points clear of Manchester United in fifth.

However, Louis van Gaal's side have a match in hand on Arsenal, which has put the spotlight on Wenger's side even though their title hopes are over.

Wenger had revealed that long-term absentees Cazorla and Oxlade-Chamberlain are closing in on comebacks.

“One of the two could be involved," Wenger said at his media conference on Friday morning, as quoted by the Mirror. "Cazorla has practiced for two weeks with the team, Alex for one week so one of the two could be. Santi has been out since November and Alex since Barcelona.

"We have no big problems injury wise. There is not much time to go but the players are all available now so it looks good for the summer.

"It is good. Ideally the players injuries are accidental and it is good at least they have hope to go to the Euros."

 Cazorla has not played since damaging knee ligaments in the reverse fixture against Norwich in late November. He then suffered a setback in his recovery when he injured his achilles tendon.

Meanwhile Oxlade-Chamberlain has not played since injuring his knee in the first leg of Arsenal's last-16 Champions League defeat to Barcelona in February.

In other Arsenal news, Newcastle are eyeing a summer move for a 26-year-old Gunners international.

Arsenal
Norwich City
Santi Cazorla
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