When fit, Wilshere adds great depth to what is already a position of strength for Arsenal.

Having Alexis, Özil, Ramsey, Alex Iwobi and maybe Reiss Nelson at some point is more than enough cover for two spots on a team sheet. If Wilshere is also available for selection, then that’s fine. But he needs to be kept in a glass box in case for emergencies only, both for his sake and ours.

Let him work on getting his fitness back, and let Arsenal work on getting their preferred starting XI the time it needs to gel. If he’s needed because Özil or Alexis is unavailable, then play him.

But that’s it.

Arsenal need to treat this like their last chance to make Wilshere great again.

It might actually work, as long as they stay patient.

Arsenal have enough players in the squad to cover the demands of playing three games in six days like they have this week. Joe Willock was really good against BATE. Tidy in possession, not afraid of putting himself about when required. He didn’t look like an 18-year-old rookie in the slightest, which was very encouraging.

Arsenal don’t need Jack Wilshere….yet.

But at some part of the season, they probably will, and they should do everything in their power to make sure he’s able to answer the call.

Until then, let him enjoy his Thursdays.

Because at the moment, so are we.