Rob Holding has handed a huge boost to Arsenal manager Unai Emery after playing the full 90 minutes for the U23s in their 2-2 draw with Everton .

Holding, 23, has not featured for the Gunners first-team for nine months after damaging his cruciate ligament against Manchester United in December.

The defender has already featured for the youth side this season, playing 63 minutes in the 3-1 win over Blackburn, and he followed that up with another run-out for the Gunners' youth team on Friday night.

Unfortunately he was unable to help his side secure a much-needed win, as Anthony Gordon's brace secured a draw for the visiting Toffees.

Rob Holding during the match between Arsenal U23s and Everton U23s

Gordon cancelled out Tyreece John-Jules' early opener and then popped up with an 83rd-minute equaliser after Robbie Burton looked to have secured the victory for the hosts.

However it could have been a different result had Holding scored a header with Arsenal leading 2-1, but his powerful attempt was cleared off the line.

If Holding continues his promising progress, the defender is expected to be available for Emery's squad after the international break.

He is likely to miss this the club's next two Premier League matches - against Liverpool on Saturday night and Tottenham - but could return for the trip to Watford on September 15.

Holding will look to return to the Arsenal first-team fold soon

Since joining the Gunners from Bolton in 2016, Holding has made 60 appearances for the Premier League club.

His return will be seen as a big boost for Emery after the 23-year-old featured prominently under the Spaniard last year before his season-ending injury.

Arsenal, who are currently second in the Premier League table following victories over Burnley and Newcastle , travel to Anfield on Saturday looking to maintain their perfect start to the new campaign against league leaders Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp's side are the only other team yet to drop any points after wins against Norwich and Southampton .