When he had his latest operation, Arsene Wenger said that Jack Wilshere would only be out for a matter of days.

Fast forward three weeks and Wenger has stated that the midfielder is two-three weeks away from a return.

If you are an Arsenal fan reading this, you will no doubt be aware that ‘three weeks‘ is Arsenal-speak for ‘hahahaha, can’t believe you believe this crap.’

Speaking to the press ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle, Wenger also stated that Mikel Artea and Mathieu Debuchy, both of whom returned to training this week, would also be back then and it seems as if the captain is the closest to a return with Wenger stating he could be back after the international break.

Wenger told reporters

“We have no new big injuries, we have some knocks, but nothing major. Mathieu Debuchy is two or three weeks away, Arteta and Wilshere as well.

“Arteta will maybe come back after the [international] break. Tomas Rosicky is hopefully available again for the weekend.”

There was no mention of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Abou Diaby who was spotted training with Arteta and Debuchy this week (for real).