Arsene Wenger has warned Jack Wilshere that he faces a massive fight if he wants to regain a place in Arsenal’s first team next season.
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- Wenger expects Wilshere will have to fight for first team position
- Expects midfielder to stay at Arsenal next season
Wenger has admitted that while he expects Wilshere to be at Arsenal next season, the 25-year-old has a huge fight on his hands if he wants to rejoin the first team and play regular football.
“I think Jack will be with Arsenal next season, yes,” said Wenger [via the Mirror].
“I will give you a very focused answer on that, that he has to work hard to come back and fight for a place in the team.
“But once he is ready, when he comes back, he will not be far from practising with the team.”
Wilshere suffered another season-ending hairline fracture to his fibula after a collision with Harry Kane while on loan at Bournemouth in April.
Wilshere’s fitness – or lack thereof – isn’t a new problem. It’s something that the player and club have been fighting against his entire career. Therefore, if Arsenal do decide enough is enough, it’s hard to argue.
Last season, he made 27 appearances for the Cherries before getting injured against Tottenham and it’s hard to see him realistically bettering that while back with Arsenal.
Although the midfielder has been working hard to return in time for the new season and is expected to rejoin the Arsenal squad when they return from their pre-season tour in Australia and China, the Gunners reportedly aren’t offering the England intentional a new contract.
With Wilshere’s current deal set to run out at the end of next season, Arsenal are expected to cash in while they still can, with West Ham and Serie A club Sampdoria said to be interested.