Jack Wilshere scored his first goal in 10 months on Monday, but couldn't prevent Arsenal's under-21s from falling to a second straight defeat, losing 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion.
Wilshere played his third U21 game since returning from a fractured ankle and levelled for the Gunners with a composed finish in the box in the 51st minute. However, Samir Nabi scored the winner for West Brom and Wilshere saw a late attempt saved by goalkeeper Alex Palmer as Arsenal pushed for a second equaliser.
That feeling when you score your first goal in 11 months... #AFCU21 pic.twitter.com/rt8pZeRFOS
- Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 18, 2016
Despite the loss, it was an encouraging performance from Wilshere, who completed 90 minutes for the second time in five days. He also played the full match in a 3-1 loss at Swansea on Thursday.
Wilshere is desperate to prove his fitness before the end of the season to earn a spot in Roy Hodgson's squad for the European Championship, and could be in line for a first-team return this weekend. Arsenal play West Brom at home on Thursday, but Arsene Wenger may opt to wait until Sunday's trip to Sunderland before including Wilshere in the squad.
Wilshere's goal came after he controlled the ball in the area and lifted the ball over Palmer into the net. It was his first goal since a double for England in a Euro qualifier last June. He fractured his ankle in August, shortly before the start of the season.
Serge Gnabry also played for Arsenal again, while Tomas Rosicky was not in the squad after also playing two games in his own return from a thigh injury. A win would have earned Arsenal automatic promotion to the first division, but they will now have to enter a playoff.