Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was delighted with his comeback with the U21s last night.

Timber featured for the first time since suffering an ACL injury on the first day of the season. The defender had 45 minutes and scored in Monday's 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers.'

“I can't wait," he said on the prospect of a first team return. “The boys have been texting me already, so it's going to be fun.

“I think we're doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously out of the Champions League, but we're still in the mix [in the title race], we're still there.

“I'm glad that I can be a part of it and let's see what the last couple of weeks can bring. I hope something beautiful."

Timber played at left-back and in midfield.

“Even that felt strange," said Timber when asked about his goal.

“I didn't realise I was even scoring a goal, because I don't score a lot, maybe that's changed since my rehab – let's see!

“But it felt amazing, it felt like everything we worked for in the eight months out."