Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has received better initial news than expected regarding the fitness of Jack Wilshere.
England midfielder to this week undergo further tests
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has received better initial news than expected regarding the fitness of Jack Wilshere, confirming the midfielder has not had to return to wearing a protective boot.
The 20-year-old was last summer first troubled by an ankle problem while on international duty with England and, apart from a pre-season appearance in the Emirates Cup, has this season not played a competitive match for the Gunners.
Wilshere, who needed surgery after initially wearing a protective boot, was in early February set to return, but this week felt pain when running in training and will now have a series of consultations with specialists before deciding how to proceed.
The fitness of the combative midfielder will also be of concern to England boss Fabio Capello as he prepares for his side's Euro 2012 campaign this summer in Poland and Ukraine.
But Wenger revealed after Sunday afternoon's 3-2 FA Cup win over Aston Villa it could be only a minor setback.
"We have no real news yet. The first news we have had is better than expected. He is not in a boot, but I don't know more," said the Arsenal boss.
"His morale looks quite good and I hope it will only be a short setback. There will be more tests this week."
Wenger added: "I do not know yet when he will start training. I would not like to make any mistake in my statement, because I did not speak to the medical people today."
