Jack Wilshere started but was replaced just before half-time after sustaining a painful knock to the ankle against Manchester City.

During his post-match media obligations, Eddie Howe stated the 25-year-old’s injury isn’t a serious one. “Losing both players within one half of football was a huge blow,” Howe said. “To lose a player of Jack’s quality was a huge blow. We had a go, but ultimately they were too good.

“Simon [Francis] felt his hamstring and Jack had a pain in his ankle, we will reassess both injuries and hopefully they are nothing serious.

“I don’t think there’s a major injury there (with Wilshere). He just felt he couldn’t move as freely as he wanted.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmeG9-HHPUQ

When challenging for the ball in a 50-50 with David Silva in his own defensive third, Jack jarred his ankle awkwardly. Despite receiving physio treatment, he was unable to shake the injury off and had to be replaced.

Although most media outlets criticised his performance, he didn’t have much of an opportunity to do what he’s best at. Opportunities to utilise his passing range and advance in the final third completing dribbles were heavily limited as City enjoyed large periods of possession.

He made one clearance and blocked a shot, as well as coming close when Bournemouth looked threatening. His eventual effort was blocked.

Wilshere (second left) in action against Manchester City
Jack Wilshere battles for the ball with Kevin De Bruyne (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

His clever one-two passing exchange with Jordon Ibe could have resulted in an assist for the Englishman, but the winger was wasteful and didn’t get his shot away quickly enough.

Wilshere’s absence was felt in the second 45 as Bournemouth missed a creative force to pull them back into proceedings.

They were punished, and ultimately undone, by a team of the highest quality, who picked apart pockets of space and created chances in ruthless fashion.

Wilshere’s injury will understandably overshadow their 2-0 defeat, in a game they weren’t expected to get anything from.

Memes and unfunny jokes have already returned on social media about a player that had been working hard to improve and resurrect his career.

We can only hope he recovers quickly, not only for Bournemouth’s sake but his own.