The worst fears are confirmed. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that his midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered a hairline crack and will miss “a few weeks” of the Premier League season. With the start of the season around the corner, this is one injury Wenger could have been better off without.
The England international is notorious for his long term injuries. For long, there were concerns if he would ever play an entire season without any injuries. He was very motivated during the pre-season to prepare for the long grueling season ahead and of course, stay injury free.
But, just like every time, injuries have a map to Wilshere’s anatomy. He sustained the injury during training ahead of the Community Shield match against Chelsea. The manager initially announced that the latest setback would mean that the English international would only be ruled out for a matter of days.
But, the 23-year-old is now on the verge of spending more time away from action. The longer spell could also mean question marks on his presence in England’s European qualifiers with San Marino and Switzerland in September.
Wilshere missed five month of last season after an ankle injury sustained at Old Trafford during the loss to United in November. It is fifth year in succession that the talented midfielder is heading out to the treatment room while his team members are preparing for on-the-pitch duels.
Wenger also spoke about the injury updates on Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez and Tomas Rosicky. Welbeck is missing from action since the FA Cup final (which he missed too) and is trying hard to get fit for the season.
The England striker is on a progressive recovery, as also as Tomas Rosicky. Alexis Sanchez is just back from his pre-season holiday. The Chilean super star is given a longer holiday following his exertions at Copa America. Sanchez is now back in training but is unlikely to make it for the season opener.
Is the side well-equipped to cope with the loss of Wilshere? Call if fortunate or proper planning – Wenger has many options in midfield. Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin and Mesut Ozil should give enough for Wenger to choose from, even in the absence of Wilshere.
To be frank, he could be a bigger loss to England national team than Arsenal. Roy Hodgson, as such, will be following his recovery with anticipation.
Sridhar