By Sportsmail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 10:37 EST, 17 October 2012 | UPDATED: 10:37 EST, 17 October 2012

Jack Wilshere played 90 minutes for the first time since his return to action as he closes in on an Arsenal comeback.

The midfielder has been sidelined for 17 months with knee, ankle and foot problems but took part in a friendly defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday afternoon.

Getting a run: Jack Wilshere played 90 minutes for Arsenal in a friendly defeat to Chelsea

Getting a run: Jack Wilshere played 90 minutes for Arsenal in a friendly defeat to Chelsea

Wilshere had already featured for the Under 21s, playing 63 minutes against West Brom at the start of October and getting a 74-minute run against Reading.

He is due to play another game for the youngsters against Everton next week with the Capital One clash against Reading pencilled in for his return for Arsene Wenger's side.

Defender Bacary Sagna also played 90 minutes as he battles his way back to the first team while midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong got another game under his belt following his recent return in the League Cup.

Target: Midfielder Wilshere could be back in the Arsenal first team by the end of October

Target: Midfielder Wilshere could be back in the Arsenal first team by the end of October

But it was all about the progress of Wilshere for the north Londoners and he will have pleased manager Wenger with his performance, getting stuck in from the start and looking lively just behind the striker.

The 20-year-old England international almost scored in the second half, forcing Blues keeper Jamal Blackman into a save after surging into the box.

Chelsea, with John Terry in their ranks for the opening 45 minutes, won 2-0 thanks to goals from Billy Clifford and Islam Feruz.

Cautious: Arsene Wenger will be relishing the chance to name Wilshere in his starting XI once again

Cautious: Arsene Wenger will be relishing the chance to name Wilshere in his starting XI once again

The comments below have not been moderated.

why all the comparisons between Wilshere and Cleverley? As a United fan I actually hope Wilshere takes Cleverley's place in the England team, so Tom can rest on the bench and come back after international breaks fit and ready for United. As ABUs said about Cleverley, Wilshere is a player who has become a legend while sitting on the treatment table.

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Good, very good news indeed. Slowly, slowly, slowly - lets not risk this one.

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Ahhh too many mid fielders too choose from ahhh but thats a good problem wenger! Perhaps buy another striker in january wenger like llorenete !! Best team in years i say we've had in the last 7 years

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I thought the useless Uriah Rennie had retired? :)

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luv you jack but please put the tougue away ,thanks

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The Cazorla, Arteta and Wilshere combo just makes me shiver!! OHHHHH Arsenal's midfield is no doubt the best Midfield in the Prem! Besides, Diaby is on his way back and so is Szczesny, Sagna too in about 3 weeks. we have back ups in EVERY positions (yeah I said it), something we didn't have last year.

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RBARK you are barking. A year ? He'll make a difference immediately. Even if it's just psychological at first. Max 3 months and he'll be on fire.

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Future England Captain

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Can't wait to see him playing with Cazorla and Arteta.

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Can't wait til Wilshere and Parker are back in the international set up. Perhaps then we will see the utterly useless Carrick and Cleverely back on the fringes.

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