• Premier League

Wilshere set to return for Arsenal at Palace

ESPN staff
February 20, 2015
Wenger: Upcoming Monaco match will not affect team selection at Crystal Palace

Jack Wilshere could be back in the Arsenal squad ahead of their Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Wilshere has been sidelined since November after sustaining an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United that required surgery.

Jack Wilshere has been out since November with an ankle injury © Getty Images
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The England midfielder recently returned to full training with the first team and is set to be in contention to face Palace at Selhurst Park this weekend.

"I cannot tell you whether Wilshere will start," Wenger said at his pre-match news conference. "I've not picked the team definitely. It's difficult to come back immediately."

Right-back Hector Bellerin should also be available, although the game comes too soon for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey.

"Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in full training but is a bit short to be considered," added Wenger. "Ramsey is 10 days away."

Wenger also remains confident Santi Cazorla will stay at Arsenal despite reports linking him with a move to Atletico Madrid.

Cazorla, 30, played down rumours of a move to the Spanish club last summer, though Diego Simeone reportedly remains keen on the midfielder.

"He extended his contract last year," the Arsenal boss said. "I don't think there's anything to worry about - we've not been approached."

Cazorla has been in impressive form this season, particularly since the turn of the year, and Wenger added: "He has been the most consistent player. Since he has moved centrally, his influence is bigger."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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