Jack Wilshere plays first match for Arsenal since fracturing his leg on-loan at Bournemouth in April
- Jack Wilshere played his first game in an Arsenal top for nearly a year on Monday
- Wilshere lined up for Arsenal's Under-23 side against Derby County
- The 25-year-old fractured his leg playing for Bournemouth in April
Jack Wilshere played his first game in an Arsenal shirt for nearly a year as the club's Under-23 side faced Derby County in the Premier League 2 competition.
Wilshere has been out since April after fracturing his leg playing on loan for Bournemouth against Tottenham but completed 75 minutes at St George's Park on Monday night.
There were a few signs of class from the 25-year-old, who was mainly operating in a deep midfield role alongside Francis Coquelin.
Jack Wilshere has been out of action since April when he fractured his leg
Wilshere set up a great early opportunity with a cross from the left but Arsenal were unable to capitalise. He also produced a delicate chip into the area but young forward Chris Willock was not quite on his wavelength.
Occasionally Wilshere went on a trademark burst forward with the ball and at times he slotted into Arsenal's back three when one of the defenders pushed on.
But he still looked some way short of match sharpness, which is understandable given he only returned to full training this month.
Wilshere is aiming to get match fit as soon as possible so he can play competitively again
He was unable to intercept the pass to Kellan Gordon, who opened the scoring for Derby in the first half.
Wilshere's future at Arsenal is unclear as he enters the final year of his contract, with Arsene Wenger providing little assurances of a return to the first team when fully fit.
Speaking last week, Wenger said: 'That decision is not completely made. I want him to have a chance to play somewhere as well. We have to decide that a bit later.
Arsenal could end up calling on young winger Reiss Nelson (centre) at points this campaign
'I wanted first him to come back, he is coming out of a fracture. It is the first week he is back in full training and we have to sit down together and see where we go from there.'
Wilshere last featured for Arsenal in the 3-1 win at Watford on August 27 last year having played for England at Euro 2016.
At St George's Park, Emil Jakobsen doubled Derby's lead before Reiss Nelson pulled one back for Arsenal after the break.
Nelson then equalised with a terrific solo effort before Eddie Nketiah won the game for Arsenal 10 minutes from time.
Kieran Gibbs, a transfer target for Watford, played 45 minutes at left wing-back.
Kieran Gibbs, a transfer target for Watford, played 45 minutes at left wing back
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