Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney both made their returns to the pitch for the Arsenal u23s against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Tierney and Bellerin are yet to feature for the Arsenal first team this season, both recovering from long-term injuries. As part of that recovery, the club made the decision to give the duo a chance to build some match fitness with the u23s this weekend.

The two full-backs started with the youth side and ended up playing 62 minutes before a planned double substitution. Konstantinos Mavropanos also featured in the game, playing 90 minutes.

Encouragingly, neither full-back looked to be holding back to protect themselves. Tierney went flying into a few challenges, even earning a yellow card for one that was a little over the top.

Meanwhile, Bellerin was bombing up and down the right-hand side in his usual style, so there’s little worry about his pace and energy being affected by his injury.

Both players did have a few loose touches and passes, as to be expected in a first game back. They both got forward very well and won most of their individual duels though, so overall it was a positive showing.

There are a couple more u23 opportunities for more appearances at the end of the month, or if Emery feels either are ready, they could rejoin the action in the low-pressure situation of the League Cup next Tuesday.

It seems more likely they’ll be eased back more slowly though, so another game against Liverpool u23s next Saturday is the most probable option right now. Good to see them back either way.