Friday 28 November 2014 13:02, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident midfielder Jack Wilshere can return stronger from the setback of facing three months out with an ankle injury.
The England international had surgery to repair ligament damage following a tackle by Manchester United defender Paddy McNair in the 2-1 loss at home last Saturday.
Wilshere is now set for another spell on the sidelines, having seen his progress hampered by various problems before and at one point being absent from the Arsenal first team for around 17 months after suffering a stress fracture in his ankle during 2011.
"He is very down. Jack is a football man who loves the game, but on the other hand, he is a very strong character as well and he has learnt to deal with adversity at a very young age," Wenger said at his Friday press conference.
"I think he will be back at the end of February, beginning of March, and he will focus on coming back to rehab, having a strong rehab, and then I am sure he will help us to do well until the end of the season.
"Jack always came out stronger and, when I spoke with him, the final sprint of the season is already in his mind and he wants to come back stronger."
Jack always came out stronger and, when I spoke with him, the final sprint of the season is already in his mind and [he wants] to come back stronger.
Wenger believes Wilshere can shrug off the latest in what has been a long line of injuries to hamper his progress.
"I was more worried one year ago than I am today because he had two or three surgeries on his right ankle. At some stage, you could raise that question, but today I am much more confident that he will fulfil his potential," Wenger added.
"If he has no problem with his joints, he will make a massive career."
Arsenal have a host of injury concerns to juggle in thier squad selection for Saturday's Premier League clash at West Brom, and Wenger confrimed he will look to bring in "at least one body" to bolster the depleted squad, with a defensive midfielder the expected target with centre-half Laurent Koscielny fit again and full-back Mathieu Debuchy close to a return from his long injury lay-off.
Wenger also stated there had been "no enquiry from anybody" for Germany forward Lukas Podolski and denied a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
