Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his blessing for midfielder Jack Wilshere to play in England’s international match with Scotland on Wednesday despite it coming just three days before their season opener with Aston Villa.
Wilshere has only just come back from a serious injury that made him lose a year of his career and despite only just regaining full fitness, Wenger is confident that the midfield-man is back to his best fitness-wise and playing-wise.
The serious ankle injury that Wilshere picked up made him miss well over a season, but after returning this year, he has given the Arsenal midfield a much-needed boost of creativity and passion and the Arsenal manager knows how important he is to the team and that is why he is careful with the player’s fitness levels.
However, Wenger has allowed Wilshere to join up with England and is happy for him to play against Scotland despite big games coming up for Arsenal.
“I decided before the game to only play Jack for 45 minutes because I want to take it step by step,” Wenger said, quoted in the Daily Mirror.
“Now he goes away with the national team and, when England play Scotland, it is always competitive.
“Jack will go away with England with our blessing. But then we have some big occasions in front of us, with Aston Villa and also the Champions League.”
Roy Hodgson is also well aware of Wilshere’s fitness levels and he doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardise his health.
“I’m happy that he’s fit and with us,” said the England manager.
“We know he’s not going to play for 90 minutes. Arsene knows we’re as anxious to protect the health and fitness of the player as he is.
“I don’t want to damage players and there are quite a few of them who haven’t really played a lot football in the pre-season or are maybe coming back from injury.
“It is certainly incumbent upon me to take those things into consideration but the feedback from all the managers has been good. They understand the importance of the autumn for all their players, not just the England ones.”
Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
