Happy return for Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg is recovering from a hip operation

By Stuart Roach BBC Sport Online

Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has made a successful return to action after a long-term hip injury.

He played a starring role in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Reading Reserves at the Premiership club's London Colney training ground.

The Swedish World Cup star played 70 minutes in a match organised to help his rehabilitation from injury.

The game was played behind closed doors, with fans and press strictly denied access as Ljungberg continued his rehabilitation.

He showed no ill-effects following the hip operation carried out during the summer.

His runs into the box have become his trademark and he was making plenty of those

Reading midfielder Joe Gamble

Reading's young reserve team were no match for a strong Arsenal side which also included Kanu, Francis Jeffers and French centre-back Pascal Cygan.

Cygan opened the scoring, before goals from Steven Sidwell and Spanish full-back Juan, from the penalty spot, sealed victory.

"Ljungberg looked fit and strong and Arsenal expect him to be back in a couple of weeks," Reading midfielder Joe Gamble told BBC Sport Online.

"He probably needs a couple more games to get him sharper but he was very energetic.

"His runs into the box have become his trademark and he was making plenty of those."

Ljungberg had a chance to mark his comeback with a goal, but missed in a one-on-one with Reading goalkeeper Phil Whitehead.

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