Friday 13 March 2015 12:46, UK
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere will not be fit for international duty with England later this month, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
Winger Oxlade-Chamberlain limped off during the second half of Arsenal's FA Cup win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.
"It's a hamstring injury, he'll be out for three to four weeks," said Wenger ahead of Arsenal's match with West Ham on Saturday.
“It’s very frustrating for him but he’s played more games than ever this season.
“In the last two months, he was a bit in and out. But he has shown again on Monday night what an important player he is for Arsenal and England.
"He is keen to play for England and I think it is a big blow for him."
They (the England games) will come too soon for Jack and Alex. It's very difficult to say when Jack will be back. We have to respect his recovery
Wenger also ruled Wilshere out of contention for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on March 27 and the friendly with Italy in Turin four days later.
The Frenchman added: “They will come too soon for Jack and Alex. It's very difficult to say when Jack will be back. We have to respect his recovery."
Wilshere is recovering from minor surgery to remove studs from the pin in his ankle, and is also expected to need a few more weeks recovery time.
“He had a little inflammation of his ankle, so we decided to do it (now)," said Wenger.
"We had to rest him anyway, so we decided to get these screws off instead of doing it at the end of the season, when there is England again. We wanted to combine both together.
"I don't know how long it will be before he returns because we have to respect the progression of his training.
"It has taken a bit longer and I don't really know why at the moment, but I am hopeful it is a matter of weeks now."
