• Champions League

Wilshere ruled out of Udinese clash

ESPNsoccernet staff
August 23, 2011
Jack Wilshere's injury is lasting longer than Arsenal first feared © PA Photos
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Arsenal could be set to lose Jack Wilshere for longer than expected, after he was ruled out of the Champions League play-off against Udinese.

Wilshere missed training on Tuesday with the ankle complaint that has kept him sidelined from the opening games of the Premier League season and some reports have suggested that he could be missing for around two months as he recovers.

His absence leaves an already short Arsenal squad with major concerns ahead of their potentially lucrative trip to Udine on Wednesday, with Samir Nasri confirmed as absent after the Gunners agreed terms with Manchester City over the Frenchman's sale.

Elsewhere, there are injury doubts over Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby is still missing and Cesc Fabregas is no longer at the club, after completing his move to Barcelona. Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong will be allowed to play as their Premier League suspensions do not carry into European football, while the pressure will be on Aaron Ramsey to provide some creativity from central midfield.

Arsenal's defensive worries could be boosted by the return to training of Johan Djourou after Laurent Koscielny's injury at the weekend, while 18-year-old Ignasi Miquel is also ready to help plug any gaps again as he did against Liverpool.

However, Sebastien Squillaci was also not among the travelling party, alongside the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Kieran Gibbs and Henri Lansbury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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