Arsenal have been given a huge boost ahead of the Premier League season after Rob Holding returned to action with the Under-23s following his serious knee injury.
The Englishman ruptured his cruciate knee ligament against Manchester United last December and was expected to miss the start of the beginning of the new campaign.
But the defender has made significant progress and enjoyed a welcome run out for Arsenal’s Under 23s side against Watford on Saturday.
And following his long-awaited return, Arsenal tweeted: “What a sight. Rob Holding back on the field with our Under 23s today. So good to see you back out there, Rob.”
Holding’s return will be music to the ears of manager Unai Emery, who will be wary about the Gunners’ current centre back predicament on the eve of the new campaign – and Gunners fans on social media are ecstatic about his return.
Good to see Rob Holding playing again! #AFCpic.twitter.com/crMJe2ElwX
—
(@razzbutterboi) August 3, 2019
(@razzbutterboi) Rob Holding Today
pic.twitter.com/c93tHt7qGV
— ArsenalGoals (@ArsenalGoaIs) August 3, 2019
Bobby’s back!
Rob Holding made his first appearance for the club since his ACL injury in December. He featured in #AFCU23’s friendly vs Watford U23.
pic.twitter.com/XLWgyG1Lfi
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) August 3, 2019
Meanwhile, Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed Arsenal target Kieran Tierney’s injury problems are still ongoing as the north London club plot a third bid for the defender.
The Scotland international has been recovering from a double hernia operation as well as complaint Osteitis pubis.
The left-back has been getting pain from his stomach and groin whenever he kicks a ball.
Tierney has been the subject of intense transfer speculation all summer, with Parkhead chiefs already rejecting two bids frrom Arsenal for the defender.
And the news of his injury could be a stumbling block in any possible deal between the clubs,
Lennon said: “He’s still injured and he’s rehabbing.
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“He had a double hernia and he still has the Osteitis pubis problem so it’s a slow burner that one.”
“We’ll see how it is when things settle down because it’s a very unsettling time for him at the minute.
“The injury has compounded that frustration because he’s not 100 per cent right.
“I’ve been in his position so I have a lot of sympathy for him, when maybe a lot of people wouldn’t.