Jakub Moder’s long wait for action is over – after he was thrown back in at the deep end.

The Poland international returned to action as a sub at Nottingham Forest, 601 days after his last Premier League outing.

Moder suffered a serious knee injury in the 0-0 draw at home to Norwich City in April last year.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi had hoped to give him about 25 minutes to help him get back up to speed.

That plan did not change, even as Forest clawed their way back to 3-2 and Albion were reduced to ten men.

De Zerbi praised Moder’s contribution after the game.

He had previously played half an hour for the under-21s at Arsenal and then half a game against Aston Villa.

Moder said: “It was a tough game to come back but I am very happy after very tough times to get back.

“I am very grateful to the medical staff and my team-mates and the fans for incredible support in my rehab.”

The injury cost Moder a place at last year’s World Cup.

His most recent outing before Saturday was also as a sub – when he replaced Solly March against the Canaries.