Jack Wilshere Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Status and Return

Updates from Sunday, Nov. 9

Arsenal announced Jack Wilshere is available to play today, if needed:

Prior Updates

Latest Updates from Friday, Nov. 7

Arsenal's official Twitter feed has good news on Jack Wilshere ahead of Arsenal's trip to Swansea:

Latest Updates from Thursday, Nov. 6

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Jack Wilshere is fit to return for Arsenal's trip to Swansea, following a small knee problem.

Ahead of the Sunday encounter, Wenger said, per the Gunners' official website: "Jack is alright, he is back in the squad for Sunday."

Update from Monday, Nov. 3

Jack Wilshere will play no part in Arsenal's Champions League clash with Anderlecht.

Arsene Wenger revealed, via the Gunners' official Twitter:

Original Article from Friday, Oct. 31

The talent Jack Wilshere displays when he steps on the pitch has never been in question. His inability to stay healthy for extended stretches is a concern, though. His latest injury, a fresh knee problem, leaves his status up in the air once again.

Arsene Wenger passed along further information about the situation during Friday's pre-match press conference for the visit of Burnley:

James Olley of the London Evening Standard noted that Wilshere may not even return in time for Arsenal's next Champions League outing:

This is already the third injury issue the midfielder has dealt with during the current campaign. He overcame an ankle injury in September, then suffered a knee injury that turned out less serious than initially feared in October.

Most players deal with various knocks during the course of any given term, Wilshere just seems to deal with them at a more constant rate. Physio Room lists nearly two dozen ailments since the start of the 2009 season with a majority of them being ankle or foot problems.

John Cross of the Mirror provided comments from the England international about Mesut Ozil's knee injury and he talked about his own setbacks.

"It's tough to take but it is part and parcel of football," Wilshere said. "I have had my fair few injuries. It is not a curse, it happens and you just have to deal with it."

Since the Gunners have been forced to work through his past absences, it's something Wenger and Co. should be prepared for by now.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Fellow rising star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain figures to take on an even more prominent role within the squad. Veteran Tomas Rosicky could also see a bump in playing time as Wenger tries to find a combination that clicks after numerous injuries this season.

That overall lack of stability has made it difficult for Arsenal to compete at a high level of consistency. It seems like every time they start to make some progress another injury pops up that forces them to juggle the lineup again.

As for Wilshere, the biggest question is how long the issue could cost him. He will hope it's just another scare and he's able to make a relatively quick recovery.

Beyond that, the injury will simply add to his injury-prone perception. He has the skill set to become a special player at both club and international level. But it's fair to wonder if he'll ever reach that potential unless he can stay healthy.

It hasn't happened for Wilshere so far this term.