Arsenal news: Jack Wilshere steps up recovery with 90-minute outing for Under-21s in Swansea defeat

Jack Wilshere stepped up his recovery from a broken leg and could be ready to return to the Arsenal first-team after playing 90 minutes in the 3-1 Under-21 defeat by Swansea on Thursday.

The England international is yet to play a minute of first-team football this season after suffering a fractured fibula in pre-season, and the 24-year-old made his return to the pitch in last Friday’s Under-21s fixture at the Emirates Stadium where he played the best part of an hour.

With Wilshere appearing to come through the Under-21s Premier League match unscathed, the midfielder can begin to turn his attentions towards a first-team return, although this weekend’s visit of Crystal Palace to the Emirates is likely to be too early given he played the full match against Swansea.

Both Tomas Rosicky and Serge Gnabry also played in the Under-21s fixture, but the first-team trio were unable to prevent the Welsh side from claiming victory and sealing their place in the Under-21s Premier League play-offs in the process.

Goals from Adam King and Kenji Gorre gave the Swans a two-goal lead before the break, with Wilshere seeing an effort on goal fly over the bar just before half-time after a set-play from a corner.

open image in gallery

open image in gallery

open image in gallery

Rosicky was replaced after 70 minutes and the Gunners were soon back in the game when Gnabry fired in a fierce effort with 12 minutes left on the clock, but the game was as good as over when Alex Bray put Swansea 3-1 up in the 80th minute.

Despite the result, Arsene Wenger will be pleased to see both Wilshere and Rosicky get another match under their belt and the rearranged Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion next Thursday could well be a possible return for the midfield pair.