Jack Wilshere plays 90 minutes for Arsenal reserves

Jack Wilshere in action against Chelsea today (GETTY IMAGES)

As England fans watched the national side struggle to a draw in Poland this afternoon, there was some more cheery news to digest.

Jack Wilshere's recovery from injury took a huge step forward when the midfielder completed 90 minutes for Arsenal's reserves in a specially arranged friendly against Chelsea.

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. Today's game at Arsenal's training ground in Hertfordshire was the first match Wilshere has completed.

Arsenal's under-21s have a match at Everton on Monday night which he is also expected to be involved in.

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.

There was more good news for Arsenal fans with Emmanuel Frimpong also in action today. The midfielder could be considered for the trip to struggling Norwich on Saturday having recovered from a second serious knee injury.