Jack Wilshere feared he'd never play again, says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

 
Jack Wilshere
21 September 2012

Arsene Wenger today revealed how Jack Wilshere’s injury nightmare left the midfielder fearing he would never play for Arsenal again.

Wilshere, 20, returned to full training yesterday as he stepped up his recovery from ankle and knee problems that have sidelined him for the last 14 months.

Wilshere aggravated a long-standing ankle injury in a pre-season friendly against New York Red Bulls in August last year and underwent surgery to cure the problem before suffering a setback in January.

The midfielder then had a knee operation in May and the Gunners are understandably cautious over naming a date for his return, especially given Wilshere’s emotional mental state during his lengthy absence. Wenger said: “I refused to give up [on him] because he’s a 20-year-old boy, so I always thought he would come back.

“I’m not medically expert enough to know how big the damage was in his ankle. It never crossed my mind. Has it crossed his mind? Only he can answer that — I think yes.

“He’s mentally a strong boy, he has always had a good level of confidence. I believe what he has gone through will make him even stronger.

“He had ups and many downs because he had a few setbacks. He has dealt with it very well, especially in the last three months when he was highly focused every day. He was in very early every day and worked all day. He is rewarded now with a good condition.

“We have to be a bit cautious because when a guy has been outfor 14 months it takes a while to get back to match fitness. He is fit to practice and play but to put high-level performances in takes time.

“I cannot tell you anything about [a possible return date]. It will take a few weeks. We will see how well he responds in the first two games. He has to play games in the reserve team and see how well he comes out of that. I have to look at the schedule, I first want to give him 10 days’ training before he plays his first game.”

Arsenal’s injury situation is improving, with defender Bacary Sagna just a week away from returning to full training following a broken leg and Tomas Rosicky expected back in a fortnight following a groin problem.

However, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City, with Vito Mannone set to deputise again after starting Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League win over Montpellier in France.

Mannone claimed earlier this week that he was ready to claim Arsenal’s No1 spot on a permanent basis and Wenger said: “It is a good opportunity for Mannone to show the quality that I believe he has.”

Samir Nasri is unlikely to face former club Arsenal. The midfielder picked up a knock in Tuesday’s defeat at Real Madrid and City manager Roberto Mancini said: “I do not think he will be ready for Sunday. We will try but it is difficult. I hope he will be okay for next week.”

The City boss also denied claims of a bust-up with temperamental striker Mario Balotelli. The Italian said: “This story is totally false. There has been no argument and no row. Absolutely not.”

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is expected to return after a month out injured.

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