Arsenal defender Rob Holding is close to completing a return to the first team.

Holding suffered a knee injury in December, which was expected to keep him out well into the new season.

However, Holding completed a full training session with Arsenal on their preseason tour, claims the Mirror.

While the 23-year-old is likely to be eased back into the first team picture, his fitness is a massive boost for boss Unai Emery.

The Gunners are light on central defenders, especially with the confusion surrounding the future of Laurent Koscielny.