I just hope that the rumours in the football media about the on loan Arsenal star Jack Wilshere and another possible injury to his ankle are either wrong or that the scan he is said to have had will show that there is nothing to worry about.
I was really hoping that the England international would be fit to play for his new club this weekend, because Eddie Howe is taking his AFC Bournemouth team north to face the current Premier League leaders Man City. Jack will be well aware that Pep Guardiola and his City players are looking like a big threat to Arsenal’s EPL hopes and if the Cherries could stop them extending their perfect run of four wins out of four it would be a huge boost for the Gunners.
A bit of Jack in the middle of the pitch, especially if he has the bit between his teeth to prove what he can do and help out his parent club, might just make the difference, especially as City had their preparations messed up this week by the torrential rain which saw their Champions League match postponed from Tuesday until Wednesday.
One of his good friennds from Arsenal is Francis Coquelin, who had his own issues with form and fitness and seemed to be heading out od the club until a loan spell at Charlton helped and he took his chance when called back to play for the Gunners, something he has backed his old pal to do as well.
Coquelin told Arsenal Player, “He will be a big miss because we talk a lot off the pitch as well. I’ve dropped him a few texts to wish him good luck at Bournemouth. It’s going to be a great thing for him to be able to play a full season, staying injury-free.
“We all know his talent, it’s just a case of him staying injury-free. I know he had a strong pre-season so he will be alright. He’s going to show the whole Premier League what he can do so he can come back even stronger.
“He will be focusing on having a great season at Bournemouth. It was a tough decision for him because he had a few options, but if he’s decided to go to Bournemouth it’s because he’s 200 per cent committed.
“He’s really ready and hopefully for us it will be amazing if he can come back fresh, fit and, even better, with a full season behind him.”
Guardiola is also without his star striker Sergio Aguero who will be serving the second of a three match ban. It might seem unlikely but if Wilshere is on form do you think he and Bournemouth could do Arsenal a big favour this weekend?
Bob.