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Arsene Wenger: Jack Wilshere got a big kick on his ankle

By mac14 on October 20, 2017

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere managed to complete the full ninety minutes against Red Star Belgrade despite taking a ‘big kick’ to his ankle in the first half.

Wilshere is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season but made his second Europa League start during our hard fought 1-0 win at Red Star last night.

In what was a game lacking in quality, Wilshere stood out and was central to our eventual winner as the midfielder pulled off a superb turn to find space before playing a neat one-two with Theo Walcott which led to Olivier Giroud’s stunning late winner [watch it here].

Jack was many people’s Man of the Match – which is his second in succession after he also picked up the award during our win at BATE Borisov three weeks ago.

The 25-year-old’s form has sparked fresh calls for Wilshere to be handed a start in the Premier League and Wenger has confirmed that he’ll give Jack a chance soon.

The obvious worry is that Wilshere will break down again and pick up another injury if he’s pushed too hard but the signs are good so far as Wenger also revealed that Jack completed the full game last night despite taking a ‘big kick’ to his ankle in the first half.

Wenger told Arsenal.com:

on there being calls for Jack to get a chance in the Premier League…
He will get a chance in the Premier League, don’t worry about that. I think at the moment it’s going like that. He got a big kick in the first half on his ankle but he managed to get through the 90 minutes and games of that intensity will, of course, help him a lot.

We’re so used to seeing Wilshere hobble off every time he takes a big challenge so it’s good to hear he was able to resist a tough tackle to his usually fragile ankle last night.

Let’s pray he continues to stay injury free as he’s already shown his natural quality in the few appearances he’s made this season, so I’m in no doubt he can force his way in to Wenger’s plans IF he stays fit.