Jack Wilshere says he owes his improved fitness to cutting dairy and gluten out of his diet.

Wilshere completed 90 minutes for the sixth game running after the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

He’s looked a fitter and leaner player since returning from his loan spell at Bournemouth.

Having had so many injuries, the 26-year-old has come to know his body extremely well, and knew exactly what changes to make.

One of those changes was to his diet.

“I have been dairy and gluten free now for six weeks,” he explained to the Evening Standard.

“My kids have always been dairy and gluten free since birth. I didn’t have much dairy but the few times I did in the team hotel, I had an upset stomach. So I have just cut it out completely.

“I feel that I look better, I have certainly lost a bit of weight, and am leaner. I am probably fitter as well.

“I feel sharper and quicker on the pitch. I feel like I can last longer. For example, at the end of the Chelsea game when we scored the second goal, I felt ‘come on, we can go on again here’. I was pressing them and felt good.

“I know my body well, I know the right foods to eat and the best way to recover. I’m also getting the right amount of sleep. I’ve learned that over the years, and I think I’m in the best shape I have ever been.”

While many have doubted Wilshere’s fitness, few can question his dedication.

Despite numerous set-backs, he’s found a way to come back every time.

He’s now reaping the rewards of his improved fitness by being a regular in the Arsenal first team and coming through games unscathed.

That’s he played almost every minute of this busy winter period yet still looks in good shape is remarkable.

The hope will be that he can keep up this level of fitness, especially as he plays more games.

Arsenal play Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the FA Cup, so Wilshere could get a break ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea in mid-week.