Laurent Koscielny returns from injury to Arsenal in Under-23 defeat at Derby

Laurent Koscielny gave Arsenal a boost after returning to the game after a six-month break.

The club's captain, Koscielny, played for the first time since his injury to Achilles against Atletico Madrid in May, when the under-23 team faced off against Derby County on Monday night.

Koscielny, 33, played 45 minutes in the Premier League 2, while Freddie Ljungberg's men were beaten 5-0.

The French international, who missed his country's success at the World Cup this summer, played in the first half at Loughborough University Stadium. He was retired at the break by a goal from his team.

Koscielny, was replaced by Jordi Osei-Tutu, who lasted only 10 minutes of the second period before being sent off.

Another youngster, Daniel Ballard, was also fired because the Gunners lost their discipline and capitulated to a more experienced Rams team.

But the return of Koscielny – and his half-season unhurt – is a big plus for the boss Unai Emery, who had to do without his skipper at the beginning of his reign at Emirates.

Arsenal, undefeated for 17 games in all competitions, recently used Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi as their preferred defense partner.

The Greek international Sokratis entered the back line in three-man defense at Bournemouth during the weekend's win.

Now experienced, Koscielny gives Emery another option at the heart of the defense. The Spaniard hinted last week that he was eager to be able to appeal to the former Lorient.

"He looks good, with good performances, good sensations and I think he's about to play with us too today."

Arsenal will face Vorskla in the Europa League on Thursday, before facing his rival North London Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Gunners will then go to Manchester United next Wednesday.