Mikel Arteta has declared that Jack Wilshere's return to first-team training is a huge boost for Arsenal.

Wilshere took part in full training for the first time in 14 months alongside Emmanuel Frimpong on Thursday, as the England international steps up his recovery from knee and ankle injuries.

Arteta thinks that the prospect of a return to action for the 20-year-old in the near future will give everyone at the club a huge lift.

He told the club's official website: "I think it's going to be a big boost for everyone.

"He's going to raise the quality in training. The fans, they've been waiting a long time.

"I know what it means when you've been out for a long time. You can see how excited Jack is to get back in training and show how good a player he is.

"He's going to bring something different to the squad and more quality to the team, and that can only be better for everyone."

Wilshere was handed the number 10 shirt by Arsene Wenger during the close season, following the departure of Robin van Persie.