Arsenal to play friendly for returning players

Arsenal to play friendly for returning players

Published Oct. 16, 2012 12:35 p.m. ET

Arsenal midfielders Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong and defender Bacary Sagna will play against a Chelsea team in a friendly organized to help several players return from injury.

The match will take place Wednesday night at Arsenal's Colney training ground without spectators in attendance.

Wilshere was sidelined for the whole of last season with ankle, foot and heel injuries, forcing him to miss the 2012 European Championship with England.

The 20-year-old Wilshere is being lined up to return to Arsenal's first team for the League Cup match at Reading on Oct. 30.

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Wilshere will have some healthy competition when he returns. Abou Diaby's form has improved from last year and Mikel Arteta is also a midfield rival. Arteta and Wilshere have yet to play together for Arsenal.

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