Rob Holding (pictured) returned to action for Arsenal's Under 23s on Saturday against Watford, The centre back is nearing a full recovery from a serious knee injury suffered last December, Following his long-awaited return to action, the north London outfit tweeted: 'What a sight. Unai Emery’s side missed out on the chance to return to the Premier League top four. 'But in the end it's not about the armband, we have to work all together on the pitch, off the pitch and take a leadership from all the players.'. While a third suggested who the defender should replace. He was granted a well deserved rest for the recent victory over Sheffield United, but remains the best option to fulfill that side of the defensive trio. But more than 130,000 people have signed a petition demanding gyms remain open. Ahead of the clash with Watford, Arsenal have confirmed that the Frenchman has been dealing with an ankle issue for a few weeks now. Arsenal defender Rob Holding could hand Unai Emery a major injury boost ahead of the side's north London derby against Tottenham. It means there are no takers for him, and he has no interest to leave. Holding made his only Bury appearance on 3 April 2015 as a 79th-minute substitute in a 2–0 away win against Cambridge United. Xhaka is now the leading candidate to Koscielny and the Swiss midfielder said: 'I have been the captain here and I was before in Germany, and in the national team as well. Getting back up to speed will of course require patience, but as the Europa League group stages commence, his return perfectly coincides with a busy schedule. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. After Unai Emery’s bizarre decision to bring on Lacazette so late on at Anfield, many speculated that the striker may have been injured. And while that interest is still there, he is not expected to leave Leicester yet. And footage has emerged of the 23-year-old making good progress. Arsenal team news: Unai Emery set to return to back four after Rob Holding injury while Mesut Ozil misses again. Though their August 4 trip to Barcelona, the week before their Premier League opener against Newcastle, is a more likely comeback date for Holding as it stands. Emery is set to win the race for St Etienne defender William Saliba though the 18 year-old will return to the French club on loan for the forthcoming season and the Gunners boss also remains in the market for a senior centre-back who can add to Arsenal's defensive ranks immediately. Rob Holding back on the field with our Under 23s today. Verdict: 50/50, With Vincent Kompany off to Anderlecht, and Nicolas Otamendi likely to leave too, Manchester City want a new centre-back. Holding's return to action will come as a huge boost to Unai Emery before the new season, Holding ruptured his cruciate knee ligament against Manchester United at Old Trafford. David Luiz can’t cope with a man running at him, and while Holding’s pace can be an issue, he’s a far more reliable option to covering passing lanes and offer cover to whomever is on the right flank. The Gunners fell to a crushing 3-0 defeat against Leicester on Sunday. This ended in mid-December with a 3-2 loss to Southampton. With much of the squad away on international duty, Arsenal received a welcome boost as Chambers took part in full training for the first time since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Chelsea last Christmas. ': Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang... Timo Werner explains why Chelsea was the right choice for him, Gareth Southgate addresses press before Denmark clash, Culture Secretary criticises overhaul plans for English top-flight, Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for coronavirus, Jason McAteer opens up about intense rivalry with Roy Keane, Oliver Dowden dismisses Project Big Picture plans as a 'latest wheeze'. Before his injury, Holding was first-choice at the position and his imminent return can only be a good thing. Rob Holding has given Arsenal a big boost ahead of the new Premier League season after returning to action with the Under 23s following his serious knee injury. Jack Pitt-Brook runs down the biggest transfer sagas awaiting us this summer and whether they will actually happen or not, This has been the worst season in years for the best goalkeeper in the world. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. PLAYER RATINGS: Reece James spoiled an impressive first start by being sent off after the final whistle and... Borussia Dortmund 'not prepared to negotiate' with Manchester United in January for Jadon Sancho as Ole... 'Fresh faces are a good thing': Luke Shaw says new Manchester United signings Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles... Juventus 'jump ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign David Alaba' as they hold talks with Bayern... 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The early return of centre-back Holding will come as a huge boost to manager Unai Emery. The Gunners star pulls on a wire before pushing it away with his shoulders. But that move will now not be happening, Sancho and his advisers having decided that Old Trafford would not be the right environment for his development. Premier League: What is Project Big Picture? 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Arsenal are optimistic that Rob Holding could be available for the start of the Premier League season. Joining him in the 2-1 win over Leicester City was Dinos Mavropanos, who is also recovering from injury.. Arsenal Injury Update: Holding, Mavropanos Closing in on Returns