This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Rob Holding, the 23-year-old Arsenal defender, has been out of action for nearly nine months after suffering a season-ending injury in a Premier League clash against Manchester United in December 2018.
However, the defender has shown promising progress in his recovery and could make a return to the first team soon.
On August 23, Holding played the full 90 minutes for Arsenal's U23s in their 2-2 draw with Everton, a significant step in his road to recovery.
Although he is expected to be fully available for Unai Emery's squad after the international break, his return will be a timely boost for the manager, considering he featured prominently under Emery last season before sustaining the horrific injury.
Emery's side is scheduled to host Tottenham in a north London derby on September 1, and Holding's potential return could hand the manager a major injury boost.
