Arsenal: Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby step up recovery with second U21 outing

Arsenal have received a massive boost ahead of their crucial Premier League run in as midfield trio Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby stepped up their comeback with yet another game for the Gunners U21 side.

The trio took part in the U21 game against Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium on 7 April and ran out comfortable 4-1 winners over the Potters.

Wilshere looks the closest to return to first-team action as he completed the full 90 minutes in what was his second outing for the Arsenal second string, after featuring in a friendly against Brentford last week.

The midfielder who has been sidelined for over two months with an ankle injury, is hoping to play a part for the north London club this season and believes game time with the second string will prepare him and get him to pace to the Premier League.

Arsenal have crucial fixtures in their Premier League run in with clashes against Chelsea and Manchester United and apart from the league they also have a crucial FA Cup semi-final against Reading at Wembley later this month.

"You can train as much as you like but you can't get that match fitness unless you play," Wilshere told Arsenal's official site.

"In the Premier League you know how quick it is so you have to get back to that speed. I feel like I'm ready to play some part. When you're injured you look at your comeback date and the games around that time."

"The one that stands out is the FA Cup semi-final but even before that we've got big games and we've got to go to Man United as well so there's a chance to play this season," the England midfielder added.

Apart from the Englishman, Diaby and Arteta also stepped up their recovery during the game against Stoke, but both were withdrawn as planned just after the hour mark.