Agony as Wilshere suffers setback in Arsenal return

Jack Wilshere has given Arsenal a massive injury blow after suffering a recurrence of the ankle problem which has kept him out this season.

AW said of the midfielder: “Wilshere has pain again in his ankle. He did it running so we stopped it straight away. He’s seeing a specialist today.”

It comes as a big blow to both his club’s efforts to secure a Champions League berth. Wilshere suffered a breakdown just at the point when he was set to return to first-team training for Arsenal. Indeed so confident was he of a return, he had new boots delivered especially – with his son’s name, Archie, sticthed into them by Nike.

It is not yet known exactly how long the midfielder will be out of action although there are fears he could miss the rest of the season. Wilshere, who has not played all season due to a stress fracture in his ankle, had been thought to be close to a return, after surprising Arsenal’s medical staff with the speed of his progress in rehabilitation.

Although the Wenger had initially suggested the player could return to action in March, Wilshere had been aiming to get back in contention in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Milan on 15 February.

CARL ELDRIDGE – Ignore me on Twitter @eldomedia