Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is ready to play young Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli as a central striker.

Martinelli has recovered from knee surgery ahead of schedule and been back in full training in recent weeks.

And he finally was back in competitive action for Arsenal Under-21s as Steve Bould's side took on AFC Wimbledon in the Papa John's Trophy.

Martinelli started the game before being substituted at half-time in what appeared a planned move as he builds up to match fitness.

His role gave a hint as to where he could feature in the Arsenal first-team as he returns to try and give some added impetus to Arteta's misfiring side.

The Gunners lined up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation, slightly different to the system used by Arteta's side.

But, tellingly, Martinelli was deployed as one of the two central strikers alongside Swedish youngster Nikolaj Moller, reports the Mirror.

Alexandre Lacazette has recently dropped deeper into a No.10-style role as one of two central players in Mikel Arteta's system, which could offer Martinelli a passage into the side.