Jack Wilshere expected to make Arsenal return at end of month

Jack Wilshere set up both goals in Arsenal Under-21s’ 2-0 victory (Getty Images)

Jack Wilshere is expected to make his competitive return to action against Reading in the Capital One Cup at the end of this month.

The England midfielder has been stepping up his recovery from a serious ankle injury over recent weeks including two appearances for Arsenal's under-21 side as well as training with the first team.

Wilshere managed 63 minutes in his first game back and 74 in the next. A special behind closed doors game against Chelsea is scheduled for tomorrow night where it is hoped he will last even longer. The game, arranged by manager Arsene Wenger specifically to aid Wilshere's recovery, will take place at Arsenal's training ground in Hertfordshire.

If Wilshere continues to show signs of progress it is thought he will make his return to the first team in the Capital One Cup tie at the Madejski Stadium on October 30. It has not been ruled out that he could feature before, but Wenger has made clear the 20-year-old will not be rushed.

The England midfielder has not played competitively for 15 months and having been plagued by set-backs, it is not considered worth the risk to rush him.

Should Wilshere return for the match against Reading, he would be in contention for the Gunners' following game, away against Manchester United in the Premier League.