Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that midfielder Jack Wilshere hasn’t suffered any setbacks and will be available this weekend.
The England international has yet to feature this season after sustaining a fractured left tibia in pre-season, but made his return to action in the U21’s defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
Having required treatment on his right knee in the first half, there were fears that Wilshere had perhaps picked up a new problem which would have set his return date with the senior squad back.
However, Wenger has moved to dismiss those suggestions and has confirmed that the midfield ace will be available for selection for their game against Sunderland on Sunday.
“Wilshere has absorbed well his first obstacle. That means get games and finally get 90 minutes. The positive is that he had no setbacks,” Wenger said, as reported by Sky Sports.
“In every game he was sharper, he has a good fitness basis. The progression now should be normal and he is available for selection from the next game (Sunderland) onwards.
“He has played three games already. Now, it is a case of do I select him or not.”
The good news for the Gunners on the injury front continues with Wenger also revealing that Santi Cazorla had now joined in full training after spending the last five months on the sidelines with knee and Achilles injuries.
However, the problem is that it is all too late for them in terms of their Premier League title charge, as they sit 13 points adrift of leaders Leicester City with five games remaining.
While the title is no longer a realistic objective, Arsenal face a battle of a different kind with regards to holding on to a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League.
In that sense, the returns of the likes of Wilshere and Cazorla will be a welcome boost, but it will do little to mask the disappointment that has been this season as they have failed to win silverware.
Nevertheless, their failure to win the Premier League title will be the ultimate frustration, as with many of their rivals struggling earlier in the campaign, this was undoubtedly their best chance in years to end their wait to win the trophy.