Arsenal boost as ‘future captain’ Holding makes first steps to return with gym training following ACL surgery

ARSENAL defender Rob Holding has delighted fans by sharing videos of him getting back to training.

The centre-half is expected to be out for the rest of the season after undergoing ACL surgery on his knee.

But Gunners supporters are getting excited that he could yet feature this season after he uploaded workout videos on to his Instagram account.

The 23-year-old captioned them “getting that strength back” – and judging by fans’ reactions they wish he was back strengthening the Arsenal back-line.

Noah Owusu asks if there is “any chance of him playing before the end of the season”, while another adds that it is “good to see you back big man”.

Another writes on Twitter that Arsenal “need you back asap”, while Ambula Cecil posted: “Future captain, leader, legend.”

SunSport reported how the London club are set to offer Holding a new contract despite doubts over his long-term fitness.

He sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage against Manchester United in December and was ruled out until next season.

But although he may not feature again until September, Gunners bosses are keen to tie him down at the Emirates.

According to the , Unai Emery was impressed by his partnership with Sokratis at the beginning of the season and wants to reward him with a new deal.

With club captain Laurent Koscielny now 33, many see Holding as his successor at the heart of the Arsenal defence for many years.

Holding joined the Gunners from Bolton in 2016 and signed an extension last summer to keep him at the Emirates until 2023.