Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he regrets the decision to allow Jack Wilshere to leave on loan, but admitted he may not have been ready to play had he stayed.
The midfielder joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan back on deadline day last August, and has proved his fitness and form since making the move.
Wilshere has played more than 1100 league match minutes this term for the Cherries, more than he has had since the beginning of the 14/15 season for our club, and finally looks like he may have turned a corner where his fitness is concerned.
Of course we cannot be certain that he would have been able to build his strength up had he stayed in North-London this term, and Wenger is under no illusion that his temporary move has helped him, but cant help thinking he could have done with him available for Arsenal right now.
He said: “Yes, I could use him now.
“But if he had not played until now, he would not be ready to play now. What looks unfair at some moments in the season is that you know at some stage you could need the player.
“But even at the start you need to have the right balance between competition and numbers and chances for the player to play. And still today I think it was the right decision for him to go.”
His words should be deemed positive for Wilshere, who will be happy to hear that he would have been needed, and may well be able to return to Arsenal in the coming summer and play a part for next season.
Santi Cazorla is yet to be offered a new contract, with his current one expiring come the end of the summer, and the former youth product may well come in and take his first-team role for the new campaign.
Would Jack have been key in the absence of Santi this term? Will Wilshere come back next season to take over from Cazorla?
Pat J