article_snippet.sent: The England midfielder was joined by Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby, recovering from ankle and calf injuries respectively, in the Under 21 Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
article_snippet.sent: (Julio Pleguezuelo 71), Mikel Arteta (c)
article_snippet.sent: Arteta, who has been on the sidelines since the Champions League game with Borussia Dortmund on November 26, captained the team but failed to make much of an impact during his hour of involvement.
article_snippet.sent: Diaby, whose never-ending succession of injuries has seen his absent for an astonishing 226 weeks of his Arsenal career, was arguably their most influential performer as his fights for a new contract.
article_snippet.sent: Mikel Arteta was among the players as his stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury .
article_snippet.sent: Abou Diaby of Arsenal pictured shooting during the match between Arsenal U21 and Stoke City U21 .
highlights_snippet.sent: Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby also played at the Emirates against Stoke .
  