Arsene Wenger confirmed ahead of our match with West Brom on Thursday that Jack Wilshere should be available for selection for our match with Sunderland on Sunday.
The midfielder featured in his third match for the Arsenal u21s on Monday, scoring a goal and putting in a decent performance, particularly in the second half. His inclusion means he won’t be ready for Thursday but should be for Sunday.
“He’s absorbed his first obstacle well, that means get games and finally get 90 minutes,” Wenger said.
“The positive is that he’s had no setbacks and in every game he was sharper. So that means he’s got a good fitness basis and overall now the progression should be normal.
“He’s available for selection from… I don’t think from tomorrow but from the next game on. It’s just now, do I select him or not?”
On the chances of Jack getting enough game time to be selected for England’s Euro squad, the boss was adamant that he will be fine.
“Yes, [he will be ready], because he’s played three games already and I think physically he should,” the boss said.
“The euros start on the 10th of June and until the 10th of June there’s still nearly two months. So I think if you’re looking at his fitness at the moment in two months he should be perfectly fit.”
“If he has no setbacks he’ll not be a gamble [to bring to the Euroes].”
It’s clear that Wenger is being cautious with the 24-year-old. He’s been out for the entire season with a broken foot, which spawned numerous setbacks. He’s finally regaining his fitness and hitting his stride but it’s unlikely that we’ll see him playing a full match for our first team this season, given how injury prone he is.
It’ll be an exciting moment to finally see Jack back on the pitch. He was looking good towards the end of last season, let’s hope he can pick up where he left off.