It was as if this was waiting to happen. The crocked ankle of Jack Wilshere continues to dog his career. The latest injury setback puts his plans for the new season in disarray.
The England international was hopeful of an injury-free season. But, he suffered an ankle injury during training just before the season opener at Wembley – the Community Shield. His persistent troubles with his ankle would mean that Wilshere is now set to miss the first three weeks of the new season.
It could also mean trouble for Roy Hodgson and his plans for England’s Euro 2016 qualification. The Arsenal midfielder could now be ruled out of the double-header against San Marino on September 5 and Switzerland on September 8.
Wilshere had surgery on his left ankle last year after a tough tackle during the game against Manchester United. Not that, this is the first time he had problems with his right ankle. He has suffered from problems with his right ankle too and had an operation in September 2011 as a result of a stress fracture.
Arsene Wenger had huge plans for the midfielder for the new season. This probably is the reason why he waived off any rumours linking the player out of the club. Manchester City was reportedly interested in taking Wilshere to Manchester but that never seemed likely in fact.
It will be a huge concern for Wenger because Wilshere is now certain to be out of the first two matches – at home to West Ham United this weekend and away to Crystal Palace a week later. It also puts him in doubt for the high profile game against Liverpool at the Emirates on August 24.
Hodgson will secretly hoping that the player gets fit for the Liverpool game because in the event of otherwise, his availability for England will be questionable. Wilshere is an important player in Hodgson’s midfield and has scored a brace against Slovenia in June.
It remains to be seen if Wenger will allow Wilshere to report for international duty if he has not played for the club from now till then. It would entirely be another issue.
But the fear among Gunners is for the player whose career has been plagued by ankle problems. Wilshere was sidelined for longer periods of time and would have given anything in return for a season free of injuries. It wasn’t meant to be and the ankle flared up already.
Hopefully things will improve one day… very, very soon.
Sridhar