Laurent Koscielny makes injury return for Arsenal Under-23s

Defender Laurent Koscielny has successfully come through 45 minutes of action with an appearance for Arsenal Under-23s.

Koscielny has spent the last six-and-a-half months on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury during Arsenal's Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid in May.

The Frenchman has spent a period of time on the training pitch, but it has taken until Monday night for the 33-year-old to be given any competitive game-time.

Arsenal succumbed to a 5-0 defeat against Derby County, but Koscielny played the opening 45 minutes before being substituted at half time.

Unai Emery is unlikely to rush the next stage of Koscielny's comeback, but the centre-back could could into contention for the club's fixtures during a hectic December schedule.