Welcome back, Jack! Wilshere makes long-awaited return for Arsenal U21s

Jack Wilshere made his long-awaited return from a nightmare injury lay-off by playing 63 minutes of Arsenal's Under 21s match against West Bromwich Albion – and came through unscathed.
The 20-year-old had not stepped on a football pitch for 14 months following a serious ankle problem and conceded he was 'shattered' following the match at the Hawthorns.
But he sharpened his match fitness and produced flashes of that unique talent to cheer the hearts of Arsenal and England fans alike. Asked how he felt physically, Wilshere replied: 'Yeah, I'm good.'

 

Action man: Jack Wilshere played as the No 10 for Arsenal on his return to action

 

Ace: The England international will be desperate to put his injury woes behind him

Emmanuel Frimpong was also making his first start after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury seven months ago and he revealed he had given Wilshere a few hefty tackles in training as preparation.
'When you're training with me every day you’re always going to come back with a few knocks so he’s used to that,' Frimpong said. 'I've given him a few testers so he's tough.'
Wilshere's last game had been in August 2011 during a pre-season game with New York Red Bulls in front of 60,000 at the Emirates but he made his comeback in the west Midlands before just 338.
He chose to steer clear of a couple of dangerous 50/50 challenges yesterday but seemed more than happy to get involved when required, flooring West Brom's 6ft 2in George Thorne with just four minutes gone.

 

Jack's the lad: The 20-year-old was back in action on Monday

 

He played the No 10 role for the most part, occasionally swapping with Frimpong to see more of the ball, and a delightful pass to set Nico Yennaris clear in the 17th minute was the highlight.
Five minutes before half-time a heavy touch in the centre of the park conceded possession and ultimately led to West Brom's winning strike from Yassine El Ghanassy, but it was job well done nonetheless.
Frimpong agreed. 'After 14 months out he did very, very well. He can be pleased with his performance today,' he said. 'When you have been out for so long it's only natural that you're going to be tired.
'He needs more games to get back fit playing again and I think the England and Arsenal fans should be excited to see him back playing again. I'm happy to see him back with a smile on his face.

 

Top Gunner: Jack Wilshere is back in action for Arsenal after 14 months out

'Hopefully after the game he is not injured and he can take it on to the next game.
'I don't think you have to give him encouragement. Jack is an international, he’s a senior player in the dressing room so he didn't need any motivation to play out there. No matter what game he is playing in he is always going to give his best.’
Frimpong also told how Wilshere had wanted to make his presence felt on his return to first-team training earlier this season with a crunching tackle on Mikael Arteta.
'Before training he said, "When you've been out for so long and injured you want people to knock you about a bit." He gave Mikael a little tester so Mikael knows he’s back and has to be on his toes.'

 

All smiles: Wilshere joined Emmanuel Frimpong, who's had his own problems