Wilshere return delayed, says Wenger
29 July 2012 09:23
Arsene Wenger does not expect midfielder Jack Wilshere to return for Arsenal until October at the earliest.
The England playmaker and product of the club's academy has not featured in a competitive game for the Gunners since the July 31 friendly with New York Red Bulls following a series of ankle and knee injuries.
"Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October," Wenger said.
"With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. This season, the squad will be strong and competitive."
Wilshere, 20, first suffered the troublesome ankle injury in the Emirates Cup game against the MLS side, hobbling off after just seven minutes and he has since required a number of operations to correct the ligament damage.
More recently, he needed knee surgery following a setback in his rehabilitation period - an injury linked to his ankle problem.
Before these problems, he had featured heavily in Arsenal's 2010-11 campaign, playing almost 50 games, as well as taking his bow for England as well.
