Jack Wilshere is set to play his first game of football in 15 months on Monday when he starts for Arsenal's Under-21 team at West Brom.
Wilshere has not played a competitive fixture since he started in England's 2-2 draw with Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier in June 2011.
The 20-year-old sustained an ankle injury during an Emirates Cup game in August last year and missed the entirety of the 2011-12 campaign. He last played for the Gunners on 22 May last year in a 2-2 draw at Fulham.
"It is fantastic for him," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said at his press conference ahead of the weekend game at home to Chelsea.
"When you are out for so long, it's massive to take. It's massive for him to come back, and for us as well."
Wenger did however appear to scupper the possibility of Wilshere featuring for England in their World Cup qualifier against San Marino next month, predicting it will be "too early for him".
Capped five times by former England coach Fabio Capello, Wilshere has made 64 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring three goals.
When he returns to the first-team fold he will don the number 10 shirt, previously worn by Robin van Persie.