Santi Cazorla is hoping to play for Arsenal against Manchester City on Sunday after successfully returning to the pitch with the under-21 team.
Spain international Cazorla completed just over an hour in the 2-1 win over Blackburn U21s on Tuesday evening, setting up Arsenal's first goal.
He was an unused substitute for the Premier League game against Norwich on Saturday after missing more than five months with a knee injury, but said he is hoping for playing time against City.
"I'm very happy to be back, it's a great feeling after five months," Cazorla told the club's official website. "Of course I want to try to play with the first team at the weekend against Man City. [Arsene Wenger] has the decision, I know it's difficult for him and for me. But I work hard every day to try and play at the weekend."
Wenger has a selection dilemma with Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky also back fit, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in full training but has yet to play a game since injuring his knee against Barcelona in February.
With January signing Mohamed Elneny a regular starter in recent games, the competition for a spot in central midfield is tougher than ever as Arsenal have a fully fit squad for the first time all season.
Arsenal have just two games to play, with a home match against Aston Villa wrapping up the season following the City game. Wenger's side are still fighting for a top-four spot and hold out small hopes of overtaking arch-rivals Tottenham in second place.
"We need to win those two games, we want to finish in the top four. We have to fight until the end to finish second," Cazorla said. "Of course I want to play in those games."
Just like Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla is also hoping he will have enough playing time in order to earn a spot in the Spanish national team for the European Championship this summer.
"We will see. I want to be there with Spain. I was a long time off the pitch, but I'll try to do that," Cazorla said. "Of course it is my dream, and I will try to do that."