According to the Telegraph, Theo Walcott will edge a step closer to first team action by featuring for Arsenal’s under-21 side when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Borehamwood’s Meadow Park on Friday.

The England international, who returned to full training this week, hasn’t played any competitive football for nine and a half months after injuring his ACL ligaments in the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Spurs on 4 January.

Inclusion in Steve Gatting’s squad suggests the 25-year-old will not be on the bench for Hull City’s visit to the Emirates on Saturday despite the Gunners other injury problems.

Serge Gnabry could also feature for the under-21s. The German youth international has also been struggling with a knee problem and hasn’t played first team football since March’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City.