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Premier League: Arsenal's Jack Wilshere has ankle surgery and will be out for around three months

Image: Jack Wilshere: Injured in the defeat to Manchester United

Arsenal will be without Jack Wilshere for around three months after the England midfielder underwent successful surgery.

Wilshere had to be taken off during the second half of Saturday's 2-1 loss at home to Manchester United, having suffered ankle ligament damage in a challenge with Paddy McNair.

He was subsequently sent to a surgeon to be assessed and has now had the ankle operated on.

Work hard for what you want, because it won't come to you without a fight.
Jack Wilshere

An Arsenal statement read: "Jack Wilshere has had successful surgery on his left ankle and will be out for approximately three months.

"An assessment with a specialist confirmed the need for an operation and the 22-year-old had successful surgery to his ankle in London on Thursday afternoon.

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After Arsenal lost to Man Utd, the SNF panel discussed Wilshere's position in the team

"Jack will now commence his injury rehabilitation programme with the Arsenal medical team.

"Everyone at the club wishes Jack a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Wilshere posted a picture of himself on Instagram following the operation and wrote: "Ankle needed surgery in the end, it went well thanks to the main man James Calder!

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Ahead of Arsenal v Man Utd, Wilshere told Sky Sports how he was enjoying a deeper midfield role

"Work hard for what you want, because it won't come to you without a fight.

"You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive."

The 2010/11 PFA Young Player of the Year has been very unfortunate with injuries, missing the 2011/12 campaign after suffering a stress fracture to his right ankle and also missing time at various points over the last two seasons.

His latest lay-off, which could last until early March, adds to the problems facing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has a mounting injury list to contend with.

Full-back Mathieu Debuchy and playmaker Mesut Ozil will be on the sidelines for a while and there are now concerns over goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, midfielder Mikel Arteta and striker Danny Welbeck.

Szczesny injured his hip against United, Arteta had to be taken off during Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League win at home to Borussia Dortmund due to a calf injury and Welbeck missed that game due to tightness in his hamstring.

Forward Olivier Giroud and defender Laurent Koscielny are fit again after injury lay-offs but Theo Walcott's return from a serious knee injury has been hampered by a groin problem.

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