Arsene Wenger won't rush Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere back into action

Wilshere has not made a first-team appearance for Arsenal since May 2011, but stepped up his rehabilitation following ankle and knee injuries with an outing for the Under 21s at West Brom on Monday.

His return to action has offered a boost to both his club and country, but Wenger is adamant he will not rush the 20-year-old back into the Arsenal side.

"Jack needs a few games, progressive build-up to get his body used again to competition, to shocks, to fights, but he is doing extremely well, the situation looks very good," said Wenger.

"We have to be cautious, not crazy, because of his talent you are always pushed in a situation where you would like to rush him back, and we have to resist that.

"We have to be cautious, not crazy, because of his talent you are always pushed in a situation where you would like to rush him back, and we have to resist that."
Arsene Wenger

"The next match should be next week and he is working very hard.

"The body is like that, when you have been out of competition for 14 months it takes a long time to find your sharpness back. You cannot rush it."

Wenger hopes a steady fitness programme will see long-term benefits for everyone, adding: "There are three things that are important for every player: the health of the player, the interests of the club and the interests of the national team.

"You have to try to combine the three but the most important thing of course is the health of the player.

"[England manager] Roy Hodgson is long enough in the job to know that a player who has been out for 14 months, you have to give him time to play again. When the time comes up, he will play for England again of course."