Jack Wilshere returns to the football pitch... to slot penalty past a kid

Arsenal midfielder is sidelined with an ankle injury for at least another month

(Instagram/Jack Wilshere)

Injured Arsenal star Jack Wilshere returned to the football pitch last night, scoring a penalty in the process.

The England midfielder, who is expected to be out for at least another month because of an ankle injury, was coaching his team of youngsters and shook off the cobwebs to take a penalty.

But rather than go easy on the youngster, Wilshere slotted his penalty right into the corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance at all.

Posting a short video to Instagram, Wilshere added the caption: "Had fun coaching my team earlier.....couldn't go easy on the penalty though #PeopleWatching #Pressure".

Wilshere has not played since suffering ankle ligament damage in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates on 22 November. The 23-year-old had an operation and is expected to be back at some point in February.

His rehabilitation is believed to be going well and he could be back up to four weeks earlier than expected.