Jack Wilshere to make first Arsenal start in more than year against Cologne in Europa League tonight
JACK WILSHERE will make his Arsenal return for the first time in more than a year against Cologne in the Europa League tonight.
The England midfielder has not pulled on a Gunners first-team shirt since August last year, before heading off on loan to Bournemouth.
Arsene Wenger is set to shake-up his starting eleven, bringing in the 25-year-old as a sub as he battles for fitness after injury.
His last start for the FA Cup champions came back in May 2016, and his appearance tonight will be his first step in forcing his way back in Wenger's plans.
A host of changes are expected to be made as Arsenal are to rest a number of stars for their London derby against Chelsea on Saturday.
With first choice central midfielders Granit Xkaha and Aaron Ramsey not expected to start, Wilshere has the perfect chance to shine against their German opponents.
Tonight's match will be just the sixth time he would have played for Arsenal since the start of the 2015/16 season.
His last European outing came back in the 2014/15 campaign, and he will be vying to add to his four goals in Europe.
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Crystal Palace are believed to be eyeing up an audacious move for the 25-year-old in January should Wilshere not assert himself in the Arsenal side.
He has been given his wish to don the famous red jersey once again after turning down a move to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor in the summer.
It looks set to be a feisty encounter at the Emirate later on after Cologne fans shut down Oxford Street this afternoon.
More than 20,000 supporters marched through the capital, throwing bottles and letting off flares before the clash tonight.
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