• Premier League

Jack Wilshere can still be great despite injuries - Wenger

Arsene Wenger said he is less worried about Jack Wilshere now than he was a year ago © Getty Images

Enlarge

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he does not have any concerns about Jack Wilshere's long-term future in the game, despite yet another ankle injury ruling out the midfielder for the next three months.

Wilshere limped off in last weekend's Premier League game against Manchester United after a challenge by Paddy McNair and Wenger admitted his 22-year-old is "very down" after the latest injury setback.

The fresh blow for Wilshere has led to concerns that he cannot cope with the competitive demands of Premier League football, but Wenger had played down those fears.

"I still say that if he has no problem with his joints, he will make a massive career," said Wenger. "I think I was more worried one year ago than I am today. He had two or three surgeries on his right ankle and at some stage, you can raise the question. I am much more confident of that today that he can have a great career.

"This injury is a consequence of the tackle that is very bad. It was not malicious because I don't think that McNair wanted to hurt Jack, but it is a very late tackle and anybody who gets a tackle like that can have this kind of problem.

"The former problem is a bone problem. His joints are quite lax and he deals well with kicks at tackles, but this was too much. I don't think that anyone could escape surgery after that tackle.

"It's his strong point to turn forward, to run at people and be committed. We don't want to take that away from him. You don't want to change the way Jack plays."

Wenger suggested Wilshere has already turned his thoughts to his latest recovery and comeback effort, as he is looking forward to making an impact at the back end of this season.

"He is prepared and focused to come back and finish the season well," added Wenger. "He will be back end of February, beginning of March. He will focus to go through a strong rehab and I'm sure he will help us do well until the end of the season after that.

"He is very down. Jack is a football man who loves the game and on the other hand he is a very strong character as well. He has learnt to deal with adversity at a very young age. He is a strong young man. When I spoke with him, he is very determined and he already has in his mind the final sprint of the season and to come back stronger. He is a very strong boy."

Wenger confirmed that his captain Mikel Arteta, winger Theo Walcott and striker Yaya Sanogo will join Wilshere on the absentee list for this weekend's Premier League trip to West Bromwich Albion, with striker Danny Welbeck also a doubt as he struggles with knee and hamstring problems.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd