Rob Holding told what he can expect when he returns to full-fitness

Rob Holding is nearing a return to the Arsenal first-team.

The Englishman has been out of action since last December after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

In his absence, Arsenal’s defence have been in tatters.

Unai Emery’s side conceded a staggering 31 shots on goal as Watford fought back from 2-0 down to share a point last Sunday.

Both centre-backs Sokratis and David Luiz made critical mistakes to allow Watford to come away with a point.

Still, Holding has not been given any guarantees that he will replace one of Luiz or Sokratis in the Arsenal pecking order, according to the Mail Online.

But the England youth international has stepped up his fitness this season having played in a number of U23 games.

And fans have been impressed by what they’ve seen from the former Bolton defender as they likened him to AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini.