• Premier League

March return for Wilshere - Wenger

ESPN staff
February 14, 2012
Jack Wilshere is winning his race to be fit for Euro 2012 © Getty Images
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Jack Wilshere could soon be back to boost Arsenal, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger hopeful the influential midfielder will be ready for a return "within a month".

The 20-year-old has not played since the summer due to an ankle injury, which required surgery in September. A February return had been pencilled in, only for the youngster to suffer a stress fracture in his right foot as he continued his rehabilitation.

With Arsenal languishing 17 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City in fourth place, an earlier-than-expected comeback is sure to give the club a timely boost ahead of the season run-in.

However, a cautious Wenger says they will not rush the England player back, admitting the club are wary of him breaking down again during his recovery.

"Jack can be back within a month if all goes well," he said. "The recovery of his latest problems looks very good. The latest scan was very positive.

"We go cautiously step-by-step because we tried to push him back quicker in the first instance and he had a setback. So this time we have to be cautious and not go too quick. He can be back before then end of the season, of course."

While there was good news about Wilshere, Per Mertesacker's injury update was less positive. The German defender was carried off against Sunderland with an ankle injury and is predicted to be sidelined for a month.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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