Arsenal's Jack Wilshere could return at Sunderland, says Arsene Wenger
Wednesday 20 April 2016 14:30, UK
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has not suffered a setback in his comeback from injury and will be available to play at Sunderland on Super Sunday.
Wilshere has not featured for the Gunners this season after undergoing surgery in September for a fractured left tibia suffered in pre-season training.
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The England international played in Arsenal U21s' 2-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Monday, but required treatment in the first half after hurting his right knee.
Wilshere got back to his feet to score in an Arsenal shirt for the first time in 11 months and Wenger insists the 24-year-old will be at his disposal following Thursday's Premier League match against the Baggies at the Emirates.
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"Wilshere has absorbed well his first obstacle.That means get games and finally get 90 minutes. The positive is that he had no setbacks," Wenger said.
"In every game he was sharper, he has a good fitness basis. The progression now should be normal and he is available for selection from the next game (Sunderland) onwards.
"He has played three games already. Now, it is a case of do I select him or not."
Wilshere's place in Roy Hodgson's England squad is likely to depend on how much football he plays between now and the season's end - but Wenger has again said it would not be a gamble to take him to the European Championships.
Asked if Wilshere has enough time to get into the England squad, Wenger said. "Yes, because he has not played three games already.
"The European Championship starts on June 10 and until then is nearly two months. If you look at his fitness at the moment, in two months he should be perfectly fit. If he has no setbacks he would not be a gamble."
Wenger also confirmed midfielder Santi Cazorla has returned to full training following five months out with knee and Achilles injuries.
