Jack Wilshere will miss at least a month of action after the midfielder had to undergo surgery on the ankle injury he picked up recently.

The 26-year-old underwent a ‘minor’ procedure on Monday and he is expected to miss games against Chelsea, Manchester United, Brighton and, most likely, West Ham’s fixture against Tottenham.

Of course, Arsenal fans reading this will know that ‘one month’ for Jack Wilshere is not the same as ‘one month’ for everybody else, especially not when his ankles are involved.

Although the operation was described by West Ham as a ‘straightforward procedure’ Hammers fans are right to be concerned, especially considering the three-year deal the club handed him in a bid to show they backed Manuel Pellegrini.

“Jack underwent successful surgery in London on Monday morning for a minor ongoing ankle issue,” said West Ham’s head of medical Richard Collinge. “The surgeon was happy with the procedure and all went as planned.

“We envisage he will only need a relatively short period of rest and will then start his rehabilitation. Jack is focused and determined to get back training and playing as soon as possible.”

How often have we heard that?