Jens Lehmann plays for Arsenal reserves in bid for match practice

Jens Lehmann returns to Arsenal as a substitute against West Brom (Getty Images)

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Arsenal emergency signing Jens Lehmann featured for the Gunners for the first time in just under three years after completing a match with the club’s reserves.

The match finished 2-1 to Wigan in the end leaving the second string just four points ahead of Chelsea’s reserves, with the Blues also having four matches in hand.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper came out of retirement as the Gunners suffered an injury crisis between the sticks as injuries to Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski meant Manuel Almunia was the only senior keeper available for selection.

Almunia’s form was, and still is, another concern as the Spaniard produced another below-par performance in the 2-2 draw with West Brom, meaning Lehmann could push for a starting berth sooner rather than later.

Lehmann last started for Arsenal’s first team back on May 2008 before moving to Stuttgart that summer.

In the match, Arsenal went down to ten men in the first half as captain Ignasi Miquel was sent off, but they didn’t fall behind until the 52^nd minute as Callum McManaman put Wigan ahead with a confident finish.

Joe Holt increased the home sides lead in the 83^rd minute before Rhys Murphy added a consolation from the penalty spot in the closing minutes.