• Premier League

Wenger urges patience with Wilshere

ESPN staff
September 21, 2012
Jack Wilshere returned to training to much fanfare on Thursday © Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere could be available for first-team action by the end of October, but will not rush the England international.

Wilshere returned to full training with the Gunners for the first time in 14 months on Thursday, paving the way for the resumption of his professional career after a long delay with a variety of ankle complaints.

"We need to manage him well," Wenger said. "He needs a few games in the reserves. Wilshere had ups and downs. He was focused, especially in the last three months. We have to be a bit cautious.

"We are so pleased that Jack is back in full training. It has been 14 months and that's a long time for someone at his age.

"It's an eternity, but it's great news. We have to give him a few training sessions to see how he copes and responds to it.

"That's the delicate, sensitive stage - to choose when to bring him in and out. We'll have to handle that day by day."

Emmanuel Frimpong also returned to full training on Thursday, after suffering a cruciate ligament injury while on loan at Wolves last season. Wenger indicated the combative midfielder's rehabilitation is slightly ahead of Wilshere's.

"He's a bit in front of Jack on match fitness," Wenger said. "He could play tonight for reserves."

Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, believes Wilshere's return will be more welcome news for a squad that has started the new season in encouraging fashion.

"It's going to be a big boost for everyone," Arteta noted. "I know what it means when you've been out for a long time. You can see how excited Jack is to get back in training and show how good he is.

"He's going to bring something different to the squad, more quality to the team, and that can only be better for everyone."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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