Jack Wilshere Fit for Southampton as Arsene Wenger Rubbishes Arsenal FA Row

Arsene Wenger has denied reports suggesting Jack Wilshere was injured on international duty with England, confirming the midfielder will be available for Arsenal's upcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton.

As reported by Sky Sports, the French boss poured scorn on those who claimed he was at loggerheads with the FA over the amount of playing time Wilshere received during the Three Lions' defeats against Chile and Germany:

"

First of all Jack is not injured, that was not the right information.

Secondly, I have no problem with the Football Association. They respected completely what they told me and it was for Wilshere to play in one game and be on the bench in the other.

They did that very well. So there is no misunderstanding there. They did exactly what we had agreed.

"

Wenger's comments come as a huge boost for a Gunners side who are looking to bounce straight back from defeat against Manchester United.

Southampton rank as stern opponents. Having enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, Mauricio Pochettino's team have nothing to lose when they travel to the Emirates. They also have the confidence of knowing they have already beaten Liverpool and drawn with United on the road this season.

Wilshere's presence in the squad helps to boost Arsenal's talented midfield ranks. While the arrival of Mesut Ozil and niggling injury problems have limited the 21-year-old's playing time, he has still racked up nine starts and four substitute appearances this campaign, recorded by WhoScored.

The highlight of Wilshere's season came during Arsenal's 4-1 win over Norwich, a match that saw him brilliantly finish a classic passing move that deserves to be ranked alongside any goal of the season contender.

Wilshere played a total of 97 minutes during England's last two games. He may feature from the start against Southampton now his rumoured injury is confirmed to be untrue, although he faces a difficult task to claim a starting spot above Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini.

While the Englishman is almost certainly confirmed to be on the plane to next summer's World Cup, his place in the Arsenal lineup is looking more precarious by the week.

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