Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is finally on the verge of a return to first team action and Arsène Wenger is encouraged by his latest Arsenal u21s performances.

After seven months sidelined by injury, Wilshere has been eased back into action with a few appearances for the Arsenal u21s before featuring for Arsène Wenger’s side.

After completing around four hours of football with no complications, the England midfielder could feature in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon against Sunderland.

“He made a big improvement in the third [under-21s] game,” said the Arsenal manager on Thursday, even though he is yet to decide on whether or not the midfielder will be involved at the Stadium of Light.

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Arsène Wenger hasn’t been able to select Wilshere since pre-season. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“In the first two he was alright, but in the third he found his burst back, the little change of pace. If I don’t take him this weekend, I will take him [in the squad] the weekend after, certainly.”

A burst of acceleration is one of Wilshere’s finest attributes on the ball and he wouldn’t be considered ‘back’ until he displayed it. Clearly he is now in Wenger’s plans following the return of his trademark running style.

With four Premier League games remaining for Arsenal, Wilshere will be desperate to get on the pitch and prove to England manager Roy Hodgson that he’s ready to play for his country at this summer’s European Championships.

The first step to a call-up may well be on Sunday.