Wilshere injury short term, says Wenger

Jack Wilshere could miss Arsenal’s Premier League game against Burnley on Saturday but Arsene Wenger insists the midfielder’s latest injury setback is not serious.

Wilshere suffered a kick on his knee in training and could also miss next week’s Champions League clash against Anderlecht.

Jack Wilshere could miss Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Anderlecht © Getty Images

However, Wenger is confident Wilshere is not set for another extended spell in the treatment room.

“It is a very, very short term problem,” said Wenger. “He got a kick on his knee. I don’t know if Tuesday [against Anderlecht] will be too early for him or not. At the moment he doesn’t practice, but certainly Swansea [next weekend] yes.”

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that Olivier Giroud could play again in 2014 after all, with the striker on course to return to training in the coming days as he recovers from the foot injury he sustained against Everton in August.

“He’s three weeks ahead of schedule and I think he will join in with normal training after the international break,” said Wenger. “He is miles ahead of schedule.”

Wenger is also considering handing Theo Walcott a first-team return against Burnley this weekend, as the winger closes in on a comeback following a knee ligament injury he sustained in the FA Cup tie against Tottenham last January.

“He has been out for too long to start the game,” Wenger added. “If I can give him some competition he I am happy to do it.

“He is [eager to play], but that is always the period when the patience is tested of the player. They feel ready, they want to play and they realise only much later that they were not ready. I know Theo well and he is a very intelligent player. He knows he’s not completely there yet.”

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