Arsenal receive Jack Wilshere fitness boost but England comeback will have to wait

Jack Wilshere could return for Arsenal in four weeks

JACK WILSHERE has been ruled out of the forthcoming England international double-header despite making better-than-expected progress from his leg injury.

 

The hairline crack picked up in the final days of pre-season ahead of the Community Shield earlier this month could have ruled him out for as long as three months if surgery had been necessary.

 

However, Arsene Wenger reduced that estimate to just four weeks when the damage started to heal without the need for Wilshere to go under the knife.

Last week, he sent Wilshere for rest and recuperation in Dubai on holiday to help speed along the process, but the European Championship qualifiers against San Marino on September 5 and Switzerland at Wembley three days later will come too early for him to be considered by Roy Hodgson.

 

Wenger, whose side entertain Liverpool on Monday, said: “It is a bit too optimistic to think he will be available for England. It is too early.

After the international break he has a chance, but not before.”

However, with the first Champions League fixture slated for the following week, it will be a timely return as far as the Gunners are concerned.