Arsene Wenger has reassured Roy Hodgson that Jack Wilshere, who has not played in over a month, will be fit for England this summer.
The 22-year-old was last seen in action whilst representing his country in a friendly against Denmark on March 5, during which he played on despite suffering a foot injury. It was later diagnosed that the damage was actually a hairline fracture, which has resulted in him missing the last six games as Arsenal’s title bid has once more fizzled out.
Wilshere has returned to training for the Gunners this week, and whilst he isn’t quite ready to return to contention for a place in the first team just yet, he will be expected to be back in good time to face Hull City in the FA Cup final next month. And this will also mean he should be able to take his place in Hodgson’s World Cup squad this summer.
“He is starting to jog this week,” Wenger told reporters. “I would think he would be back in two to three weeks. I spoke to Roy Hodgson and I told him that Wilshere will be available for England. He will be just polished for England. He can be the positive surprise at the World Cup. I hope he has stabilised now. Jack has a natural football understanding.”
Wilshere, who played above his age group as he developed through the international system, won his first full cap for England in August 2010 when he replaced Steven Gerrard as a late substitute against Hungary. Yet despite being considered as one of the finest talents in the country, injuries have restricted him to just a further 14 appearances, and he has yet to play in a major tournament having been ruled out of Euro 2012.
