Gunners confirm Wilshere blow

Midfielder suffers stress fracture but could still figure this season

Last Updated: February 1, 2012 4:14pm

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Jack Wilshere: His latest problem is not linked to a previous ankle complaint

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Arsenal have confirmed that Jack Wilshere has suffered a stress fracture, pushing his return back, but insist his season is not necessarily over.

Sky Sports revealed earlier on Wednesday that the midfielder had suffered a setback in his recovery from a long-term injury.

The England international has not figured for the Gunners this term, with an ankle problem keeping him on the sidelines.

Arsenal had hoped that he would be back in contention well before the end of the season, allowing him to play a leading role for his club before pushing for inclusion in England's Euro 2012 squad.

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It was suggested that his latest injury could scupper both of those ambitions, with his 2011/12 campaign in danger of being written off.

Complication

Arsenal claim such reports are wide of the mark, with there no indication that Wilshere will miss all of their remaining fixtures.

They will continue to closely monitor his situation, but claim to be happy with the progress being made by the 20-year-old in his rehabilitation as a whole.

"The club can confirm Jack Wilshere has a small stress fracture to his right foot, however it is not accurate to state he has been ruled out for the remainder of the season," read a statement released on the club's official website.

"The injury is in a different area to his previous surgery, and it will be reassessed in around two weeks' time by our medical team and medical experts who have worked together throughout Jack's recovery.

"This is a recognised complication of a complex rehabilitation process and, of critical importance, Jack's initial injury is recovering well."