Arsenal injury news: Jack Wilshere in line for Gunners U21 appearance despite off-field controversy

Arsenal are set to be handed a massive injury boost this week with Jack Wilshere set to make his first appearance of the season with a possible outing for the U21 side when they face the Newcastle United reserves on Friday (8 April). The midfielder, who suffered a fracture just before the start of the season, is yet to kick a ball in anger this campaign and returned to first-team training last week ahead of the Gunners' 4-0 win over Watford on Saturday (2 April).

The England international has been in the news for the wrong reasons again after he was caught in a fracas outside a night club in the early hours of Sunday (3 April). The 24-year-old midfielder was asked to leave the club — believed to be Café de Paris — following the incident, but he has pleaded his innocence with regards to his involvement in the incident.

According to the Times, Wilshere is set to be reprimanded by Arsene Wenger after he called in for talks the following day. The midfielder has only just returned to training after spending the entire season recovering from a fracture on the eve of the Community Shield game against Chelsea in August 2015.

The FA are also likely to warn Wilshere regarding his conduct when he next reports for international duty and it could be for their friendlies before Euro 2016, after Roy Hodgson admitted that the midfielder will be selected to the Three Lions squad if he returns to action with the Gunners before the end of the campaign.

According to the London Evening Standard, Wilshere is set to take another step towards his first-team comeback on Friday as he could have a run out with the U21 side despite the off-field controversy. The midfielder, who returned to first-team training last week, will hand the north London club a massive boost in their pursuit of high-flying Leicester City in the race for the Premier League title.

Wenger is currently without three first-team midfielders with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta sidelined with injury and Wilshere's return will be a big bonus ahead of the final seven games of the season.