The England international forward has been out of action since last April but managed a 60 minute outing for Steve Gatting's Under-21 side against Brighton on Friday
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck managed an hour for the Under-21s on his return after nearly a year out with a knee injury.
The former Manchester United forward, who joined the Gunners in a £12 million deal last summer, has been out of action since last April’s goalless draw with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
Welbeck was substituted after 60 minutes of the Under-21s fixture against Brighton, with Steve Gatting’s side leading 3-0.
Although he was unable to get on the scoresheet Welbeck, who was replaced Josh Dasilva, will have benefited greatly from his first taste of action in 10 months.
Despite significant pressure, Arsene Wenger opted not to sign a striker in the January transfer window, citing Welbeck’s impending return as a major reason for declining the option to spend.
"You cannot praise the quality of our strikers and on the other hand say that it is a mistake that we have not bought any strikers,” he said on Friday.
"We have Alexis, we have Walcott, we have Giroud, we have Welbeck and I can’t see any stronger striker being on the market in the January transfer window."
Welbeck scored eight goals in all competitions for Arsenal last season, including the winner against his former side in the FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford, and was England’s top scorer in qualification for Euro 2016.
- Goal