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JACK'S back

Jack Wilshere pulls on Arsenal shirt for first time in almost a year as he turns out for U-23s… but Reiss Nelson steals the show with a double against Derby

Misfit midfielder played 75 minutes for Gunners alongside Kieran Gibbs and Francis Coquelin in 3-2 Premier League 2

JACK WILSHERE pulled on an Arsenal shirt for the first time in almost a year as he played 75 minutes for the Under-23 side in a 3-2 win against Derby County.

The 25-year-old stepped up in his preparations to return to match fitness as he started alongside Francis Coquelin and Kieran Gibbs in the Premier League 2 opener.

 Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere marked his return to the Gunners side in over a year as he started against Derby County's U23s
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Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere marked his return to the Gunners side in over a year as he started against Derby County's U23sCredit: Rex Features
 The 25-year-old is hoping to return to the first team fold as he looks to get back to match fitness
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The 25-year-old is hoping to return to the first team fold as he looks to get back to match fitnessCredit: Rex Features

Making his return to the Gunners side since his substitute appearance against Watford last August, Wilshere is looking to force his way back into contention under Arsene Wenger in the first team.

A season-long loan spell at Bournemouth yielded 27 Premier League appearances, showing he can have still have an influence in the top-flight, before an ankle injury cut short his campaign.

However his performance was overshadowed by teenage sensation Reiss Nelson.

The 17-year-old - who featured against Chelsea in the Community Shield, scored twice for the North London club.

With the FA Cup winners 2-0 down, the exciting winger's brace got the game back on level terms - his second strike a superb solo goal, finished with a blistering drive into the top right corner .

Former Chelsea youth star Eddie Nketiah sealed the win for Steve Gatting's men as he continues to impress since being released from the Blues.

 French midfielder Francis Coquelin started against the Rams as he battles back from an ankle ligament injury
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French midfielder Francis Coquelin started against the Rams as he battles back from an ankle ligament injuryCredit: Rex Features
 Jack Wilshere came through unscathed for the U23 side as he lasted 75 minutes on Monday night
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Jack Wilshere came through unscathed for the U23 side as he lasted 75 minutes on Monday nightCredit: Rex Features
 The English international's performance was overshadowed by Reiss Nelson who scored twice
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The English international's performance was overshadowed by Reiss Nelson who scored twiceCredit: Rex Features

Coquelin is another midfielder looking to return to full fitness after suffering ankle ligament damage in pre-season.

It was reported earlier today that Juventus have joined the race to lure away Wilshere from the Emirates Stadium.

His future is still up in the air as he has just one year left on his deal at the club.

Wenger has suggested that he could leave this summer, as the two need to have talks to determine the outcome of his situations.

 Francis Coquelin is closing in on 150 appearances for the Gunners
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Francis Coquelin is closing in on 150 appearances for the GunnersCredit: Rex Features

He said earlier this month: "We need to sit down and see where he will go.

"I made him start at a very young age and want him to have the career he is capable of, but he has gone through difficult times.

"I want him to play somewhere. We have to decide that later."

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