It's been a long road to recovery for Rob Holding.
The defender has been out of action since December last year with a knee injury and gone through an extensive rehabilitation programme to get him up to speed.
After stepping up his recovery in pre-season, the 23-year-old is being eased back into match action by featuring for Arsenal's under-23s side.
This included playing the full 90 minutes in the clash with Everton last week, meaning that a return to the first team fold could soon be on the horizon.
After featuring so heavily for the young Gunners, many expected Holding to be involved with the under-21s in their EFL Trophy clash with Northampton Town on Tuesday night.
However the 23-year-old was a notable absentee.
While the reasons for Holding's absence have not been confirmed by the club, some supporters on social media have developed a theory which could get fans very excited.
By not playing in the clash with Northampton, some are hoping that it could signal a return to the first team fold for this weekend's North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Admittedly, the clash against Arsenal's arch rivals would be a huge ask for a player who is still being eased back to fitness, but supporters would love nothing more than to see the popular defender in the red and white against their biggest rivals.
